Sally Jewell Confirmed as Interior Secretary

The Senate voted Wednesday 87-11 to confirm Sally Jewell as the next Interior Secretary.

Jewell is president and CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc., an outdoor and recreational retailer. She replaces Ken Salazar as secretary.

"With her extensive business experience, including her background in the energy sector, along with her lifelong commitment to conservation, Sally is the right person for this important job," said President Obama in a statement. "She brings an important mix of strong management skills, appreciation for our nation’s tradition of protecting our public lands and heritage, and a keen understanding of what it means to be good stewards of our natural resources."

In some ways, Jewell is an unusual choice to hold the top job at Interior. The position is often filled by a politician from a western state, but Jewell has never held elective office. 

Here's more information on Jewell's background.