Obama nominates Sally Jewell CEO of REI for Secretary of the Interior

[flamingdem]

http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/06/16868305-obama-to-nominate-head-of-rei-for-interior-secretary?lite

Climbing!



Updated 10:36 am ET, Feb. 6. President Obama will nominate the head of the outdoor retail chain REI to head up the Interior Department. The president will make the nomination official during a 2:00 pm ET announcement from the White House.

The choice of CEO Sally Jewell is an unconventional one, as the post has been filled in the past by politicians from the West. For example, the last five secretaries have been governors of Idaho and Arizona, a senator and attorney general from Colorado, and a congressman from New Mexico

If confirmed by the Senate, Jewell would be the second woman to fill the post being vacated by former Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO), who announced he would step down last month. Obama has taken some criticism for not replacing outgoing, high-level women in his cabinet with women.

[NYC_SKP]

1. That's a pretty fucking awesome appointment!

Now if he can just get Elon Musk (SolarCity, Tesla, SpaceX) to the Department of Energy!

[Robb]

2. OK, that's pretty freaking fantastic.

[graham4anything]

3. cool times 1000.

and oops, there goes that rightwing talking point that he hasn't nominated anyone but males
(while also forgetting there are women and minorities already in his cabinet).

[GoCubsGo]

4. Fascinating choice.

As someone who got her REI member card nearly 30 years ago, I have a feeling I am going to like this choice when it all comes down.

[wilt the stilt]

6. same here

my membership number is very low. It was $5 when I signed up. great choice.

[catbyte]

5. Any experience with us Injuns?

Just curious. Actually, I trust President Obama--he's been good so far. At least it looks like she values nature and wild places!

Will ANWR be safe?

[flamingdem]

8. She's speaking now

and sounds very good about continuing that work

[ellisonz]

7. I like this choice.

And not just because I too am a REI member