Barbara Barrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Barrett
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Official portrait, 2019
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| 25th United States Secretary of the Air Force | |
| In office October 18, 2019 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Matthew Donovan Shon J. Manasco (acting) |
| Preceded by | Heather Wilson |
| Succeeded by | John P. Roth (Acting) |
| United States Ambassador to Finland | |
| In office May 23, 2008 – January 16, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Marilyn Ware |
| Succeeded by | Michael Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Barbara McConnell
December 26, 1950 Indiana County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Craig Barrett |
| Education | Arizona State University, Tempe (BA, MA, JD) |
Barbara McConnell Barrett, born on December 26, 1950, is an American businesswoman, lawyer, and diplomat. She served as the United States Secretary of the Air Force from 2019 to 2021. She is also a skilled pilot and manages a ranch with cattle and bison.
As the 25th Secretary of the Air Force, Ms. Barrett was in charge of the Department of the Air Force. This department includes both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. She helped lead these important branches of the military.
Ms. Barrett has been a leader on many important boards. These include the Aerospace Corporation, California Institute of Technology, and the Smithsonian Institution. She was nominated by President Donald Trump to be Secretary of the Air Force on May 21, 2019. The U.S. Senate approved her nomination on October 16, 2019. She officially started her role on October 18, 2019.
In June 2021, Ms. Barrett was appointed to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. This board helps guide the famous group of museums and research centers. Her appointment will last until September 17, 2026.
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Early Life and Education
Barbara Barrett studied at Arizona State University. She earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Public Administration, and a law degree (Juris Doctor).
She has also received honorary doctorates from several other universities. These include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Pepperdine University.
Business and Leadership Roles
Ms. Barrett has had a very successful career in business. She was the first chair of Valley Bank of Arizona. She also worked as a partner at a large law firm in Phoenix. Before she turned 30, she was already an executive at two major global companies.
She has served on many important boards. These include the Space Foundation, Mayo Clinic, and Raytheon. From 1999 to 2001, she was the president of the International Women's Forum. Since 1994, Ms. Barrett has owned and managed the Triple Creek Guest Ranch.
Political and Diplomatic Career
Running for Governor
In 1994, Barbara Barrett tried to become the first female Republican candidate for Governor of Arizona. She ran in the Republican primary election but did not win her party's nomination.
U.S. Ambassador to Finland
From 2008 to 2009, Ms. Barrett served as the U.S. ambassador to Finland. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country. She worked under President George W. Bush. She also advised the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
Ms. Barrett is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has also participated in groups like the World Economic Forum. She led the State Department's group focused on helping women in business.
Serving as Secretary of the Air Force
On October 16, 2019, Ms. Barrett was confirmed as the 25th United States Secretary of the Air Force. This means she was approved for the job by a vote of 85 to 7. She officially started her role on October 18, 2019. On January 12, 2021, she announced she would resign from her position. Her term ended on January 20, 2021.
Academic and Teaching Roles
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Barbara Barrett has taught leadership at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 2012, she was the temporary president of Thunderbird School of Global Management. This school is now part of Arizona State University.
She also led the American Management Association. As part of the U.S. Afghan Women's Council, she started Project Artemis. This program helped train and guide women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan.
In 2000, Arizona State University renamed its Honors College. It became "The Craig and Barbara Barrett Honors College," or Barrett, The Honors College. This was to recognize a $10 million donation from Barbara and her husband, Craig Barrett.
Aviation Adventures
Ms. Barrett is known for being the first civilian woman to land in an F/A-18 Hornet jet on an aircraft carrier. She was riding in the back seat during this impressive feat.
In 2014, she was honored by being added to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. She is a pilot who can fly using only instruments. In 2009, she even trained as an astronaut in Russia. She was a backup spaceflight participant for a flight to the International Space Station. She also held leadership roles at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board.
Awards and Special Recognition
Barbara Barrett has received many awards for her service. These include the Administrators Award for Distinguished Service from the FAA. She also received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.
Other honors include the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans. She also received the Sandra Day O'Connor Board Excellence Award. In 2018, she was given the Heritage Award from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Barbara Barrett was born on a farm in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. She is married to Craig Barrett, who used to be the chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation.
She enjoys outdoor adventures. In August 2007, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While she was ambassador to Finland, she rode her bicycle 900 kilometers across the country.
