Sally Jewell

Sally Jewell is an American businesswoman, engineer, and conservationist who served as the 51st United States Secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama. Her career uniquely bridges the corporate world, notably as CEO of REI, and federal resource management, where she championed climate resilience, renewable energy development, and the stewardship of public lands. A recipient of the Audubon Medal, Jewell's post-government work continues to focus on environmental advocacy, corporate sustainability, and youth engagement with the outdoors.

Early life and education

Sarah Margaret Roffey was born in London and immigrated with her family to the United States, settling in Seattle, Washington. She developed an early passion for the outdoors, frequently hiking and skiing in the Pacific Northwest. Jewell attended the University of Washington, where she initially studied to become a doctor but ultimately graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering. Her academic background in engineering provided a foundational analytical framework for her later careers in energy and land management.

Business career

Jewell began her professional life as an engineer for Mobil Oil Corporation, working in the Oklahoma and Colorado oil and gas fields. She transitioned to banking, holding various leadership positions at Rainier Bank and Security Pacific Bank before a 19-year tenure at Washington Mutual, where she rose to senior vice president. In 2000, she joined the board of directors of the outdoor retail cooperative REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), becoming its chief operating officer in 2005 and its chief executive officer in 2009. Under her leadership, REI significantly expanded its retail footprint, enhanced its sustainable business practices, and became a prominent advocate for conservation and outdoor recreation.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2013, Jewell led the United States Department of the Interior during a period of significant environmental challenges. Her tenure focused on implementing the President's Climate Action Plan, promoting responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters, and addressing critical water issues in the arid American West. She oversaw the establishment of several new National Monuments under the Antiquities Act of 1906, including Bears Ears National Monument and Gold Butte National Monument. Jewell also prioritized strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship with Native American tribes and Alaska Natives, and launched major initiatives like the Every Kid in a Park program to connect youth with public lands.

Post-government career and advocacy

Since leaving the Obama administration, Jewell has remained a leading voice on environmental and conservation issues. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the University of Washington Foundation. Jewell is a founding partner of the Conservation Lands Foundation's "Next 100 Coalition," which advocates for greater diversity and inclusion in public land management. She frequently speaks on corporate responsibility, the economic value of nature, and the urgent need for climate action, and has been involved with initiatives at the Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment.

Awards and honors

Jewell has received numerous accolades for her leadership in business and conservation. In 2009, she was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News & World Report. The National Audubon Society awarded her its highest honor, the Audubon Medal, in 2015 for her conservation legacy. She has also been recognized with the Sierra Club's Edgar Wayburn Award, the National Parks Conservation Association's William Penn Mott, Jr. Park Leadership Award, and honorary doctorates from several institutions, including the University of Washington and Northland College. In 2021, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of the Interior Category:American chief executives Category:American conservationists Category:University of Washington alumni