Authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore bring decades of behind-the-scenes White House experience to life in their new book, Don’t Tell the President. Drawing from their time serving President George H. W. Bush and working alongside leaders across multiple administrations, the duo offers a rare insider perspective on the high-stakes world of presidential events.
Don’t Tell the President reveals the hidden complexity behind seemingly seamless appearances, sharing both hilarious mishaps and near-crises that occurred from the campaign trail to global diplomatic trips. Through firsthand accounts spanning presidents from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barack Obama, the book highlights the critical role of advance teams, the professionals responsible for orchestrating every detail of presidential moments that shape history.
Becker, who served as chief of staff to President Bush for nearly 25 years, and Collamore, a longtime advisor and senior staff member within presidential administrations, combine their expertise to illuminate both the pressure and precision required in leadership at the highest level. Their storytelling blends humor, history, and leadership lessons, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the people working just out of public view.
As accomplished authors and seasoned professionals, Jean Becker and Tom Collamore will take the stage as two of the featured speakers at the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce International Conference for Women 2026. Their insights promise to inspire attendees with powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and what it truly takes to succeed behind the scenes of the world’s most visible roles.