Elaine Chao is Trump’s pick for Secretary of Transportation

As Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao was first American woman of Asian descent to serve in a cabinet level position

NOVEMBER 29, 2016 — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Transportation is Elaine Chao, the 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009, becoming the longest tenured Secretary of Labor since World War II, and the only member of President Bush’s original cabinet to serve the entire eight years of his Administration.

A former Director of the Peace Corps, her government service also includes serving as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation, as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and as Deputy U.S. Maritime Administrator.

Her father, philanthropist James S.C. Chao, is founder and Chairman of New York-headquartered bulk shipping operator Foremost Maritime Group.

She is married to Senate Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.