Sally Jewell

Sally Jewell
Name	Sally Jewell
Birth date	21 February 1959
Birth place	London
Nationality	United States
Occupation	Businessperson, Engineer, Government official
Known for	United States Secretary of the Interior (2013–2017)

Sally Jewell is an American businesswoman, engineer, and public official who served as the 51st United States Secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama. She is known for her leadership of Recreational Equipment, Inc. and for advancing conservation, public lands stewardship, Native American affairs, and outdoor recreation policy. Her career spans the oil industry, banking, outdoor retail, and federal cabinet service, with subsequent roles in conservation and philanthropy.

Early life and education

Jewell was born in London to British parents and moved to the United States as a child, growing up in Washington near Bellingham. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the Foster School of Business. During her education she was influenced by outdoor leaders and conservationists associated with The Mountaineers, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, and regional organizations such as the Washington Trails Association.

Career in the oil industry and banking

After graduating, Jewell worked as an engineer for Mobil in the North Sea operations, contributing to projects tied to North Sea oil and offshore production near facilities connected to BP and the broader Royal Dutch Shell supply chain. She later transitioned to the financial sector, joining Wells Fargo and working in commercial lending focused on energy and resource development, interacting with institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and regional lenders in the Pacific Northwest. Her early career connected her with energy executives and regulatory frameworks influenced by agencies like the Department of Energy and industry groups including the American Petroleum Institute.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) leadership

Jewell joined Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) and rose to become chief executive officer, leading a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Seattle, Washington. At REI she worked with retail peers such as Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, and supply partners including VF Corporation and Helly Hansen. Her tenure involved partnerships with conservation organizations like National Parks Conservation Association, Conservation International, Nature Conservancy, and public land managers such as the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. She oversaw initiatives addressing outdoor access with groups including Outdoor Industry Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Appalachian Mountain Club, and regional clubs such as The Mountaineers.

United States Secretary of the Interior

Nominated by Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, Jewell served as United States Secretary of the Interior from 2013 to 2017, leading the United States Department of the Interior and managing federal agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Her tenure addressed energy development on public lands with stakeholders such as Shell Oil Company, ExxonMobil, and renewable firms interacting with policies from the Environmental Protection Agency and legislative oversight by the United States Congress. She engaged with tribal leaders from the National Congress of American Indians, Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and other Native American nations on issues involving trust lands, water rights, and natural resource management. Jewell advanced conservation goals in coordination with international forums like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and domestic programs under the Endangered Species Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. She also prioritized outdoor recreation access, collaborating with Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and state agencies such as the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Post-government work and advocacy

After leaving the cabinet, Jewell joined boards and initiatives connected to conservation, climate, and outdoor recreation, working with organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, National Audubon Society, and educational institutions like the University of Washington and University of Colorado. She has been affiliated with philanthropic entities including Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, and climate-focused funds collaborating with Bill Gates-backed initiatives and the Climate Leadership Council. Jewell has participated in advisory roles for renewable energy projects, consulting with firms in solar power and wind energy sectors, and has been involved with outdoor industry coalitions including Outdoor Industry Association and international conservation networks like IUCN and WWF. Her advocacy emphasizes partnerships with state governors, mayors from cities like Seattle, Portland, and Denver and engagement with federal programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Personal life and honors

Jewell is married to a fellow outdoors enthusiast and has ties to communities in Seattle, Washington, Vashon Island, and the broader Pacific Northwest. Her honors include awards and recognitions from organizations such as the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, Outdoor Industry Association, National Parks Conservation Association, and universities including the University of Washington and Middlebury College. She has delivered speeches at institutions like Harvard Kennedy School, Stanford University, Yale University, and participated in panels hosted by think tanks including the Brookings Institution and Center for American Progress. Jewell's leadership is cited by business publications like Fortune, Forbes, and The New York Times.

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of the Interior