BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will be the keynote speaker at an industry breakfast at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
Jewell, the 51st Interior secretary and only the second woman to hold the post, will meet with industry leaders during the Outdoor Industry Association’s annual breakfast.
Her keynote address is scheduled for 7 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Salt Lake Marriott across the street from the Salt Palace.
“We look forward to Secretary Jewell’s keynote presentation as she outlines the Administration’s ambitious initiative to engage and employ youth on public lands, improve access and increase participation in outdoor recreation as part of the administration’s conservation agenda,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, OIA’s president and CEO.
Steve Rendle, president, VF Outdoor and the Action Sports Coalition, a co-sponsor of the event, said Jewell is a well-regarded leader in the outdoor industry. “We’re excited to host her at the OIA industry breakfast to hear and discuss ideas for greater public engagement with the outdoors and our partnership with policymakers,” Rendle said.
Jewell brings an extensive and varied résumé to the Interior Department. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in mechanical engineering and went to work for Mobil Oil in Oklahoma. She left the oil company in 1981 and spent the next 20 years in the banking industry.
She joined REI’s board of directors in 1996 and became chief operating officer in 2000. Five years later, Jewell was named CEO of the national sporting goods chain, now with 132 stores in 32 states. Jewell was confirmed as Interior secretary in April of last year. She’s married and the mother of two.
Jewell’s speech, “The Future of Recreation, Conservation and Youth Engagement,” is free and open to OR attendees. While no reservations are required, space is limited.
