Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chirlane McCray

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 11, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chirlane McCray made an impact.

Chirlane McCray is an American writer, editor, and activist known for her work in New York City politics and community initiatives. Married to former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, she served as an influential advisor. McCray chaired the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and led ThriveNYC, a billion-dollar mental health initiative. Prior to her role in city government, she worked as a speechwriter and published poetry, demonstrating her diverse background in communications and the arts.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1979: Essay on Sexuality

In 1979, Chirlane McCray published an essay in Essence entitled "I Am a Lesbian", frankly discussing her sexuality.

1979: Publication of "I Am a Lesbian" essay

In 1979, Chirlane McCray published an essay titled "I Am a Lesbian" in Essence magazine. The essay was described as "groundbreaking" as it openly discussed her sexuality as a Black gay woman.

1991: Entry into Politics

In 1991, Chirlane McCray entered politics, working as a speechwriter for New York City Mayor David Dinkins.

2004: Move to the Private Sector

In 2004, Chirlane McCray left Thompson's office to work in the private sector, spending five years at Maimonides Medical Center and six months at Citigroup.

2013: Campaign Involvement

During the 2013 election, Chirlane McCray played an active role in her husband's campaign for mayor of New York City. She edited his speeches and assisted with interviewing candidates for staff positions.

2014: Chief of Staff Resignation

In 2014, Rachel Noerdlinger, who was hired as Chirlane McCray's chief of staff when de Blasio became mayor, resigned following controversies.

November 2015: ThriveNYC Launch

In November 2015, Chirlane McCray led the launch of ThriveNYC, a plan to overhaul New York City's mental health and substance abuse services.

May 2017: Last Visit to Mayor's Fund Offices

In May 2017, Chirlane McCray last visited the offices of the Mayor's Fund, as reported by The New York Times in May 2018.

March 2018: Considering Running for Office

In March 2018, Chirlane McCray stated that she was "seriously considering" running for office in 2021 but would not run for mayor of New York City.

May 2018: NY Times Report on McCray's involvement with Mayor's Fund

In May 2018, The New York Times reported that Chirlane McCray had last visited the offices of the Mayor's Fund in May 2017 and had spent 19.5 hours in 2017 on work for the Mayor's Fund.

February 2019: Criticism of ThriveNYC

In February 2019, Politico criticized ThriveNYC, led by Chirlane McCray, for having an "opaque budget" and "elusive metrics".

March 2019: Criticism of ThriveNYC Funding

As of March 2019, ThriveNYC drew harsh criticism over allegations of mismanagement and accusations that it had failed to produce records of tangible results, with nearly $850 million in funding unaccounted for.

March 2019: NY Times Report on ThriveNYC

In March 2019, The New York Times reported on ThriveNYC, noting that public health officials credited the plan for drawing attention to mental health, but that some initiatives failed to get started, while others placed unrealistic demands on already strained mental health services.