Washington — Per Official White House Announcement Below – Secretary Elaine L. Chao of the U.S. Department of Transportation will lead the Presidential Delegation to Attend the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan on October 22, 2019. This was announced by the White House on Friday, October 4, 2019.
Secretary Chao is one of our country’s most consequential women leaders. Currently, she serves as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation – her second cabinet position, which she has transformed into a national platform to advance safety, modern infrastructure and American innovation. Previously, she served as U.S. Secretary of Labor, becoming the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s cabinet in American history.
An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking no English, she received her citizenship at the age of 19. Her experience transitioning to a new country motivated her to devote her career to help ensure that everyone – especially traditionally underserved communities – has the opportunity to build better lives for themselves and their families.
She has had a distinguished career in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Secretary Chao began her executive career in government working on transportation issues at the White House. She then served as Deputy Maritime Administrator, U. S. Department of Transportation; Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission; Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Director of the Peace Corps. She was also President and Chief Executive Officer of one of America’s premier nonprofit institutions, United Way of America. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America and Citicorp. Honored for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 37 honorary doctorate degrees.
Secretary Chao is married to the United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. She is the eldest of six daughters born to Dr. James S.C. Chao and the late Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao.
