Mary Cheney: 5 Surprising Facts About Dick Cheney's Daughter, Her Current Job, And The Liz Cheney Feud

Mary Cheney, the younger daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Second Lady Lynne Cheney, has carved out a unique and influential path in the world of strategic communications and political advocacy. As of late 2025, she is a prominent Washington, D.C. professional whose career trajectory has spanned from corporate executive roles to high-level political campaign management, all while navigating the complexities of being an openly gay woman in a high-profile Republican family.

Her story is one of navigating the intersection of personal identity and public life, often putting her at the center of national debates, most notably the high-profile, public disagreement with her older sister, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, over the issue of same-sex marriage. This article provides the most current, updated details on her career, family, and ongoing influence in the political landscape.

Mary Cheney: Biography, Education, and Career Highlights

Mary Claire Cheney has built a career defined by political strategy, corporate communications, and a commitment to advocacy. Her early life and education laid the groundwork for a career that would consistently blend business acumen with political engagement.

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• Full Name: Mary Claire Cheney
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1969
• Place of Birth: Madison, Wisconsin
• Parents: Dick Cheney (Former Vice President of the United States) and Lynne Cheney (Former Second Lady of the United States)
• Sibling: Liz Cheney (Former U.S. Representative for Wyoming)
• Spouse: Heather Poe (Married 2012)
• Children: Two (Son and Daughter)
• Education:
  • Colorado College (B.A. in History)
  • University of Denver (M.B.A.)
• Key Career Roles:
  • Aide to the Vice Presidential Nominee (2000 Presidential Campaign)
  • Director of Vice Presidential Operations (2004 Re-election Campaign)
  • Vice President for Consumer Advocacy at AOL, Inc.
  • Managing Partner at New Troy Strategies (Current Role)

Before her time in Washington, Cheney established a strong foundation in Colorado, working for both the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club and the Coors Brewing Company. Her political career took off when she became a personal aide to her father during the 2000 presidential campaign, later serving as the Director of Vice Presidential Operations for the 2004 re-election effort.

From AOL Executive to Strategic Communications Leader: Her Current Role

The most current and significant update to Mary Cheney’s professional life is her leadership role in the strategic communications sector. While she was widely known for her tenure as a Vice President for Consumer Advocacy at AOL, Inc., her focus has shifted to high-level consulting and political strategy.

Current Position at New Troy Strategies

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Mary Cheney currently serves as a Managing Partner for New Troy Strategies, a strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C. This role leverages her more than 25 years of experience in political affairs, management, and strategic communications. Her work at the firm involves overseeing all aspects of the business and providing high-stakes counsel to clients navigating complex political and public relations landscapes.

This move highlights a deeper commitment to the behind-the-scenes world of political and corporate messaging, where her extensive network and experience from the highest levels of government and business are invaluable. The firm's work often involves utilizing the latest technologies and tactics to manage public perception and achieve strategic goals.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Political Engagement

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Throughout her career, Cheney has maintained a powerful, though often controversial, position as an openly gay Republican. Her continued work in the political sphere, even as a consultant, underscores her enduring commitment to engaging with the political process, a rare stance for an LGBTQ+ advocate.

She has been a vocal proponent for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly same-sex marriage, which became a focal point of her life when she and her long-time partner, Heather Poe, were married in 2012. This advocacy often placed her in a unique and challenging position within the conservative political establishment she grew up in.

The Cheney Sisters' Feud: A Political Divide and Family Conflict

One of the most defining narratives of Mary Cheney's public life is the public and painful political split with her sister, Liz Cheney. The conflict, which first spilled into public view in 2013, centered entirely on the issue of same-sex marriage.

The Same-Sex Marriage Spat

The disagreement began when Liz Cheney, then a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Wyoming, publicly stated her opposition to same-sex marriage. In a powerful and immediate response, Mary Cheney took to social media to criticize her sister, stating that Liz's position was on the "wrong side of history" and that she "put politics before family." Mary's wife, Heather Poe, also weighed in, stating that Liz's comments were personally hurtful.

The public spat became a national news story, highlighting the deep political and personal divisions that can exist even within the most powerful families. The conflict was so significant that their parents, Dick and Lynne Cheney, released a statement defending Liz while also reiterating their love for Mary and their support for her relationship.

A Shift in Liz Cheney's Stance

The relationship between the sisters remains a topic of intense media speculation. However, a significant development occurred years later when Liz Cheney publicly reversed her position on same-sex marriage, stating in 2021 that she was "wrong" to have opposed it previously. This shift was widely attributed to the impact of the family conflict and her sister's personal experience.

While the initial rift caused considerable pain, Liz Cheney's ultimate change of heart on the issue is seen by many as a powerful example of how personal relationships can influence political evolution. Today, Mary Cheney's story continues to resonate as she balances her roles as a political insider, a strategic communications expert, and a dedicated advocate for equality.

Mary Cheney's Personal Life and Family

Mary Cheney lives in Great Falls, Virginia, with her wife, Heather Poe, and their two children. The couple met in the late 1990s and formalized their commitment in 2012, marrying in Washington, D.C.

Their family life, including the birth of their children, has occasionally been thrust into the national spotlight, with Mary Cheney consistently defending same-sex parenthood and her family's right to privacy and respect. Her personal life serves as a powerful testament to her long-standing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating that the personal is indeed political.

Mary Cheney's continued work at New Troy Strategies and her enduring presence in the political conversation ensure she remains an influential figure. She represents a unique voice—a Republican political operative who is also a fierce advocate for marriage equality—making her a compelling and crucial figure in the ongoing American political narrative.