IOP Senior Advisory Board Member Elaine Chao with IOP student Chuyue Zhou '18 at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Today, former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao was selected to the Cabinet of President-elect Donald J. Trump to serve as Transportation Secretary. Chao has served on the Harvard Institute of Politics Senior Advisory Board Committee since 2002 and served as a visiting Fellow in Spring 2009. The IOP thanks Secretary Chao for her years of support and congratulates her ongoing commitment to a life dedicated to public service.

“It has been an honor to serve with Secretary Chao on the Senior Advisory Board Committee of the Harvard Institute of Politics. The Secretary’s support of undergraduate students to pursue their aspirations in politics and public service has helped shape the next generation of American leaders,” said Ken Duberstein, Chair of the Harvard Institute of Politics Senior Advisory Board Committee

“Secretary Chao has devoted her career to providing the highest level of public service across governmental, private and non-profit sectors. Since 2002 she has contributed her signature smart yet tough decision-making and unflagging enthusiasm to serving on the Board of the Harvard Institute of Politics.” said Congressman Bill Delahunt, Interim Director of the Harvard Institute of Politics

WATCH: In 2010, Secretary Chao spoke on a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps and answering President Kennedy's call to service.