Rachel Noerdlinger, former executive VP of communications for Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network, has been named chief of staff to New York First Lady Chirlane McCray, the wife of Mayor Bill de Blasio who is expected to play a significant role in her husband's administration.

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Noerdlinger, left, with Sharpton, McCray and de Blasio on Jan. 20.
Noerdlinger has recently run her own New York-based PR shop, Noerdlinger Media, with Sharpton as her main client. She was previously a VP for The Terrie Williams Agency in New York, where she started as an intern and was mentored by the former Essencemagazine communications head Williams.

“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," McCray said in a statement.

Added de Blasio: “Chirlane and I have known Rachel for years, and she has done a terrific job for Rev. Sharpton. Rachel has been a strong voice for this city’s underserved communities, and she will be a great addition to this administration.”

De Blasio and McCray made the announcement at NAN on Jan. 20.