The Chicago-born attorney William M. Daley emerged from a prominent political dynasty to navigate high-level roles in both private finance and federal administration. Throughout his career, he bridged the divide between global corporate interests and the internal mechanisms of the American government, serving as both a cabinet secretary and a White House chief of staff.
Early Background and Legal Training
Born in Chicago on August 9, 1948, Daley is the youngest of seven children of Richard J. Daley and Eleanor Guilfoyle Daley. He spent his formative years in the Bridgeport neighborhood. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Prep in 1966, he earned a bachelor's degree at Loyola University Chicago in 1970. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from the institution now known as the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. He began his professional life practicing at the firm Daley and George.
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Daley established a significant footprint in the banking sector, serving as the first vice chairman of the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago between 1989 and 1990 before acting as its president and chief operating officer until 1993. His corporate career included executive roles at JPMorgan Chase, where he served as Midwest Chairman following the bank's acquisition of Bank One Corporation. Additionally, he held leadership positions at SBC Communications and BNY Mellon, while serving on the boards of entities such as Fannie Mae, Boeing, and Merck & Co.
Federal Government Service
During the Clinton administration, Daley served as special counsel, managing the legislative strategy to secure the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement. He subsequently held the office of United States Secretary of Commerce from 1997 to 2000, where he managed the 2000 census and promoted international trade. Years later, he transitioned to the Obama administration, serving as White House Chief of Staff from January 2011 until January 2012.
Political and Civic Engagement
Outside of his federal appointments, Daley maintained involvement in electoral politics, notably managing his brother Richard M. Daley’s campaigns for state attorney and mayor of Chicago. In 2000, he took over as general chairman of Al Gore’s presidential campaign. In 2010, he received the Chicago History Museum’s Making History Award for his civic leadership. He remains a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as a trustee of Northwestern University.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Chicago
- Citizenship: United States
- White House Chief of Staff: 2011-2012
- United States Secretary of Commerce: 1997-2000
- Education: Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
- Professional Background: Lawyer, banker, politician, pharmacist, pharmacologist
Questions readers ask
Did William M. Daley run for governor of Illinois?
While he expressed interest in the 2014 gubernatorial race following the 2012 presidential election, he ultimately did not pursue the campaign.
What specific trade agreement did Daley help pass during the Clinton administration?
He was instrumental in advocating for and securing the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Achievements
- Educated at Loyola University Chicago and University of Illinois Chicago School of Law