The U.S. Senates formally voted to confirm REI CEO Sally Jewell to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, sending cheers throughout the outdoor industry.


With her confirmation, Jewell will leave her role as President and CEO of REI and begin her management of the more than 70,000 employees charged with overseeing approximately 20 percent of the nations lands.
 
Jewell guided REI for the past eight years as CEO, and five years prior as COO.  She began her service to the co-op as a member of its board of directors before moving into management.  During her tenure as CEO REI grew to nearly $2 billion in annual sales. In addition to helping lead its business success, during that time REI also heightened the companys commitment to environmental stewardship, volunteerism and engaging more people, especially youth, in the outdoors.
 
Speaking on behalf of REIs board and staff, we thank Sally for her 17 years of service to the co-op and wish her all the best with her new adventure in the ‘other Washington, said Brian Unmacht, REIs Interim CEO. Thanks to her outstanding leadership, REI is in strong shape and well-positioned for the future. As she did at REI, Sally Jewell will lead the Interior department with integrity, balance and wisdom.


Outdoor Industry Association noted that Jewell takes office as the country approaches three milestones: The 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, and the Centennial celebration of the National Park System. Taken together, these milestones provide an opportunity for the administration and Congress to build a balanced legacy for the future of Americas public lands and waters.


The Department of the Interior needs a leader with a balanced vision for the future of the nations lands and waters, and Sally Jewell is that person, said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. We thank Secretary Salazar for his leadership and thoughtful, balanced approach to managing our nations natural resources.

With 500 million acres under its management, the Department of the Interior is poised to recognize outdoor recreation as a leading use of public lands that is reflected in the core mission of governmental agencies.


Secretary Jewells leadership experience as CEO, oil and gas engineer and financier uniquely positions her to lead and understand the opportunities and challenges facing the Department of the Interior, particularly as recreation lands are disproportionately targeted for budget cuts. 


Nearly half of all Americans participate in outdoor activities, spending $646 billion on outdoor recreation every year, supporting more than 6.1 million sustainable American jobs and generating nearly $80 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.