WASHINGTON (February 6, 2013)--President Barack Obama said Wednesday wants REI business executive Sally Jewell to head his Interior Department during his second term.

Jewell is the president and chief executive officer at Recreational Equipment, Inc., which sells clothing and gear for outdoor wear.

She is the first woman the president has nominated for his Cabinet in the second term.

Mr. Obama noted her previous experience as an engineer in oil fields and her record of achievement and environmental stewardship at REI and said she is an active outdoorswoman who once spent a month climbing mountains in Antarctica.

If confirmed, Jewell would replace current Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who held the post throughout Mr. Obama's first term.

Salazar announced last month he would step down in March.