Elaine L. Chao

Elaine Chao, the first Asian-Pacific American woman to serve in a President's cabinet in American history, has led two cabinet posts as U. S. Secretary of Labor and U. S. Secretary of Transportation. She is also the longest serving Cabinet Secretary since World War II.

At the U. S. Department of Transportation, Secretary Chao focused on keeping the nation’s transportation system safe and efficient; invested over $300 billion in infrastructure over three and a half years; and, promoted American innovation in autonomous vehicles, drones, commercial space and supersonic jets. During the COVID-19 health crisis, Secretary Chao’s decisive actions kept America’s transportation networks safe and moving.

As U.S. Secretary of Labor, Secretary Chao focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy. She set new records for workplace safety and health, led the passage of Pension Protection Act of 2006, implemented union transparency and recovered record back wages for workers.