Elaine L. Chao

Elaine Chao is an inspirational and consequential leader who has been appointed to two Presidential cabinet positions: U. S. Secretary of Labor and U. S. Secretary of Transportation. When she was unanimously confirmed to her first cabinet post as Secretary of Labor, she became the first woman of Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage to serve in a President’s cabinet in history. Elaine is also the longest-serving U.S. cabinet secretary since World War II.

Prior to serving as Secretary of Transportation, Elaine worked at a research and educational institution in Washington, D. C. She also served on a number of Fortune 500 corporate and nonprofit boards. Previously, she was President and CEO of United Way of America, Director of the Peace Corps and held other leadership positions in the transportation field. Elaine began her public service as a White House Fellow.

Before entering the public sector, she worked as a banker with Citicorp and BankAmerica Capital Markets Group. She earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and is the recipient of 37 honorary degrees.

Elaine brings to the Board extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. In her two cabinet positions, she led high-profile organizations, navigating complex regulatory and public policy environments, and she provides the board with valuable insight on strategy, transportation and workforce issues. She is a visionary in fostering and facilitating innovation in building the transportation systems of the future. Her leading role in keeping the supply chain moving during COVID-19 provides valuable perspectives in the current economic environment. Ms. Chao’s leadership and governance expertise gained from non-profits and public company boards is of particular value to the Board.

Elaine arrived in the United States in the third grade not knowing how to speak English and received her citizenship at the age of 19. It was her experience transitioning to a new country that motivated her to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities in our country. She is a resident of Kentucky. For her full bio, please visit: www.elainechao.com.

Committees: Corporate Governance and Public Responsibilities