President Barack Obama has picked William Daley as his new chief of staff, calling him an experienced public servant, devoted patriot and friend.
Daley is the former U.S. Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton administration and brother of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
Obama introduced Daley at the White House Thursday afternoon. He says few people bring more experience to the job than Daley, a veteran political manager with Wall Street ties.
"I know Bill to be somebody who cares deeply about this country. He believes in its promise and considers no calling higher and more important than serving the American people," said Obama.
Daley ran Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign and the historic recount effort that ended with Gore conceding the race to George W. Bush.
Mayor Daley was happy to hear about the official announcement during a press conference at St. Mark International Christian Church Thursday morning. He said he was "honored" and that he doesn't give his brother any advice.
When asked if the appointment will mean more federal dollars for Chicago, the mayor joked "I'm praying."
Daley replaces interim chief of staff Pete Rouse, who will become a counselor to the president. Obama applauded Rouse's
service, saying he wouldn't be where he is today without his guidance.
Rouse replaced Rahm Emanuel, who stepped down to make a run for mayor of Chicago.
Daley currently lives in Chicago and is an executive at JPMorgan Chase. He reportedly met with the president at the White House last month and also met with high-level officials there on Wednesday.
