The Honorable Sally Jewell Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC
Sally Jewell was sworn in as the 51st Secretary of the Interior on April 12, 2013 to lead an agency with more than 70,000 employees. Interior serves as steward for approximately 20 percent of the nation's lands, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public lands; oversees the responsible development of conventional and renewable energy supplies on public lands and waters; is the largest supplier and manager of water in the 17 Western states; and upholds trust responsibilities to the 566 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.
Prior to her confirmation, Secretary Jewell served in the private sector, most recently as President and CEO of Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI). She is also a former banker and oil industry engineer. An avid outdoorswoman, Secretary Jewell has worked to ensure that public lands are accessible and relevant to all people from all backgrounds, and to build a connection between the great outdoors and a new generation of Americans.
Secretary Jewell became a naturalized citizen in 1975 while in college. She had immigrated to the United States with her parents from England as a young child. She is the only member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet who is a naturalized citizen.