Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray deliver remarks at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network House of Justice in Harlem on Jan. 20. Credit: Rob Bennett/Office of Mayor Bill de Blasio
New York City’s first lady, Chirlane McCray, now has a chief of staff.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and McCray announced on Monday that Rachel Noerdlinger, a longtime aide to the Rev. Al Sharpton, has been hired for the job.
“Rachel brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and know-how to City Hall, and I’m thrilled to have her join us,” McCray said in a statement. “Rachel shares my commitment to bringing social justice to the forefront in this city, and I look forward to having talent like hers on the team.”
Most recently, Noerdlinger served as president of Noerdlinger Media. She was previously executive vice president of communications for Sharpton’s National Action Network.
“Chirlane and I have known Rachel for years, and she has done a terrific job for Rev. Sharpton,” de Blasio said. “Rachel has been a strong voice for this city’s underserved communities, and she will be a great addition to this administration.”
Noerdlinger’s appointment confirms that McCray will play an active role in her husband’s administration, but the mayor and his wife have offered few details as to what exactly that will entail.
“I am looking forward to working with the first lady as she engages New Yorkers from all communities and serves as a voice for the voiceless,” Noerdlinger said. “As she focuses on agenda items that embrace activism and grassroots engagement, and reaches out to New Yorkers in every borough, I am proud to work with her and our new mayor.”
