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William Michael DaleyChief of Staff of US President Barack Obama
Date of Birth: 09.08.1948
Country:  USA |
Content:
- William Michael Daley
- Early Career
- Political Involvement
- Lobbying and Corporate Positions
- Clinton Administration
- Secretary of Commerce
- Post-Clinton Years
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Obama Administration
- Resignation and Later Career
- Personal Life
William Michael Daley
William Michael Daley was born on August 9, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard Joseph Daley, the city's mayor from 1955 to 1976, and Eleanor Daley. Of Irish descent, Daley attended Providence College in Rhode Island before transferring to Loyola University Chicago, where he earned a B.A. in political science in 1970. He later graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1975 with a J.D.
Early Career
From 1973 to 1975, Daley operated an insurance business in Chicago with his brother John. Following law school, he worked at the family law firm Daley, Riley and Daley and served on the national Economic Opportunity Council from 1977 to 1980.
Political Involvement
Daley played a significant role in Democratic presidential campaigns, serving as counsel to Jimmy Carter in 1976 and helping to elect his brother Richard as Cook County State's Attorney in 1980. He also consulted for Walter Mondale in 1984, Joseph Biden in 1988, and Michael Dukakis after Biden withdrew.
Lobbying and Corporate Positions
From 1984 to 1989 and 1993 to 1997, Daley worked as a partner at Mayer, Brown & Platt, engaging in lobbying using his Washington connections. He became vice chairman of the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 1989 and its chairman and president a year later.
Clinton Administration
Daley chaired Bill Clinton's presidential campaign in Illinois in 1992 and reportedly sought the Transportation Secretary position in the new administration. However, he became a special advisor to President-elect Clinton in 1993, promoting the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Secretary of Commerce
In December 1996, Daley was nominated to be Secretary of Commerce and assumed the position in January 1997. He left the office in June 2000 to chair Al Gore's presidential campaign.
Post-Clinton Years
After Gore's defeat, Daley considered running for Governor of Illinois in 2001 but withdrew and joined SBC (later AT&T) as president. He lobbied aggressively for the corporation and helped pass a law allowing SBC to double its infrastructure fees on competitors, which was later struck down by a federal judge.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
In May 2004, Daley joined JPMorgan Chase & Co. as chairman of its Midwest region and head of its corporate responsibility division. He also served on Boeing's board of directors from 2006 to 2011.
Obama Administration
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Daley advised Barack Obama on economic issues and served on his transition team. On January 6, 2011, he was appointed White House Chief of Staff, succeeding Rahm Emanuel, who was running for mayor of Chicago.
Resignation and Later Career
On January 9, 2012, Obama announced that Daley would resign from his position as Chief of Staff later that month. He was replaced by Jack Lew. Speculation centered on Daley's dissatisfaction with Obama's populist turn in the face of the 2012 presidential campaign. Daley returned to Chicago and remained involved in politics, potentially joining Obama's campaign staff.
Personal Life
Daley holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from John Marshall Law School. He is married to Loretta Aukstik, a native of Lithuania, and they have four children. Their youngest son, Bill, is also a politician and lobbyist, having represented Fannie Mae in the early 2000s.
