Jewell takes the helm at Interior

Having been sworn into office on April 12, Sally Jewell has taken over from Ken Salazar as Secretary of the Interior. Jewell started work in Interior’s Washington, D.C., headquarters on April 15, according to a Department of the Interior press release.

“At Interior, we have vast responsibilities to the American people, from making smart decisions about the natural resources with which we have been blessed, to honoring our word to American Indians and Alaska Natives,” Jewell told employees in the headquarters building. “Our public lands are huge economic engines for the nation. From energy development to tourism and outdoor recreation, our lands and waters power our economy and create jobs. I look forward to working with you all to ensure that we are managing our public lands wisely and sustainably so that their multiple uses are available for the generations to come.”

Jewell had been president and chief executive officer of REI, a retailer of outdoor recreation goods, prior to accepting her position as Interior Secretary. After training as a petroleum engineer, Jewell worked for Mobil Oil Corp. in Oklahoma and Denver, Interior said. And before joining REI she worked as a commercial banker for 19 years, initially as an energy and natural resources expert, the agency said.

Jewell is an avid enthusiast in outdoor activities who has climbed Mount Rainier seven times and who recently scaled Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica, Interior said.

As Interior Secretary Jewell will presumably face some new challenges, as she adopts a leadership role in balancing the differing and sometimes contentious concerns of environmental protection, cultural needs and resource development on public lands.

—Alan Bailey