WASHINGTON – President Obama has nominated the Chief Executive of US outdoor retail chain REI to become the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. The Washington state based retailer is a pioneer in terms of sustainable textiles and it helped to initiate, test and develop the Outdoor Industry Association’s Eco Index.

Sally Jewell, the CEO of US brand REI has been nominated to become the 51st Secretary of the Department of the Interior. If appointed, she would be tasked with the protection and preservation of America’s natural resources, cultural and tribal communities, and public lands legacy.

Her nomination was given a warm welcome by the Outdoor Industry Association: “As we approach the National Parks Centennial celebration in 2016 and given the need for the nation to advance an economic vision for our nation’s public lands, Sally Jewell is uniquely qualified to serve as the next Secretary of the Interior,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “Treasury secretaries are chosen from the investment world, so it is appropriate that a Secretary for the Interior would be nominated from the outdoor recreation business world.”

On March 7, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing to consider her nomination. ??Appealing to people in the USA, Hugelmeyer said: “We need your help to create a loud and vocal chorus in support of her nomination. ??Sally is an excellent choice for this job. She recognises that our nation’s natural resources support the economy, local communities and the people whose lives depend on having access to quality places in the great outdoors.?? Tell your senators that you support Sally for Secretary of the Interior.”

REI had a turnover of US$1.80 billion in 2011. Nearly half of all Americans participate in outdoor activities every year, spending US$646 billion pursuing these activities each year and supporting more than 6.1 million American jobs.

More information on how to nominate Sally is available here.