Elaine Lan Chao, born on March 26, 1953, is a prominent American business leader and former government official. She made history as the first Asian-Pacific American woman to hold a position in a presidential cabinet, serving as Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and later as Secretary of Transportation in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2021. A dedicated member of the Republican Party, Chao's career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to public service.
Chao was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to the United States at the age of eight. Growing up in Queens and Long Island, New York, she pursued higher education at Mount Holyoke College and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. Her professional journey began in finance before she transitioned to the public sector, where she held key roles in the Department of Transportation during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Notable positions included Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission from 1988 to 1989 and Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 1989 to 1991. Beyond her government service, Chao directed the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1992 and led United Way of America from 1993 to 1996. In addition to her public service, she is actively involved in the corporate world, serving on the boards of companies such as Hyliion and ChargePoint, focusing on sustainable transportation solutions.
