Sally Jewell speaking at the White House in 2011 (image by Brendan Smialowski/Getty)
Washington, DC (Gannett/USA Today) -- President Obama will nominate business executive Sally Jewell to as his new Interior Secretary, officials said.
Jewell is the CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc., which sells clothing and gear for the outdoors and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Two administration officials confirmed the appointment, speaking on condition they not be named because President Obama will make a formal announcement this afternoon.
If confirmed by the Senate, Jewell would replace Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who announced his resignation last month.
The selection of Jewell may also ease criticism that Obama has relied too much on white men to stock his second term Cabinet.