President Obama announced his nomination for his second term Secretary of the Interior Wednesday afternoon, White House officials said. Sally Jewel, the chief executive for Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is President Obama's top choice. Now the nomination will go to the Senate for approval.
Jewell has lead REI as it's CEO since 2005, though she has a long career in the banking industry and has worked as an engineer for the Mobil Oil Corporation. According to REI, the company increased sales by 8.4 % last year to $1.8 billion under Jewell's leadership. Jewell has also committed REI to enhancing the sustainability of the business.
"Through direct engagement in service projects on public lands, and grants that support organizations involved in connecting people to nature and stewardship, your co-op facilitated nearly three million hours of volunteer service in parks, recreation areas and natural spaces across the country," Jewell stated on the company's website. "With the board's support, the co-op dedicates 3% of our annual operating profits to these activities."
REI was named on FORTUNE's list of "Best 100 Companies to Work For" for the 16th consecutive year.