AP source: Outdoor retail exec picked for Interior

[February 06, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- An administration official says President Barack Obama has picked the head of outdoor gear company REI as secretary of Interior.

The president plans to announce the nomination of REI President and CEO Sally Jewell Wednesday afternoon. That's according to an administration official who spoke on a condition of anonymity ahead of the president's official announcement

REI sells clothing and gear for outdoor adventures with more than 100 stores across the country. Prior to joining REI, Jewell spent 19 years in the commercial banking industry, according to her biography on REI's Web site.

If confirmed, she would replace outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

[Associated Press; By JULIE PACE]

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