On April 10, 2013, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Sarah “Sally” Jewell to be Secretary of the Interior.  On February 7, 2013, President Obama nominated Ms. Jewell to replace outgoing Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.  Ms. Jewell had a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 7, 2013.

Ms. Jewell has a degree in mechanical engineering, with additional training as a petroleum engineer.  She previously worked for Mobil Oil, and as a commercial banker focusing on energy and natural resources.  Ms. Jewell’s most recent experience is with Recreational Equipment Inc., where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer.  Ms. Jewell’s March 7th testimony before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee emphasized the importance of “rapidly advancing technologies” and an “all-of-the-above strategy” with a move toward expansion and diversifying energy production.

The Senate confirmed Ms. Jewell on April 10th with a vote of 87 to 11.