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 December 26, 1950) is an American businesswoman, lawyer, and diplomat. She served as the Secretary of the Air Force from 2019 to 2021. She is also a skilled pilot and runs a ranch with cattle and bison.
As the 25th Secretary of the Air Force, she was in charge of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. She helped lead these important parts of the U.S. military.
Barbara Barrett has also been a leader on many important boards. These include the Aerospace Corporation, Caltech, and the Smithsonian Institution.
In 2019, President Donald Trump chose her to be the Secretary of the Air Force. The U.S. Senate approved her for the job. She started her work on October 18, 2019. In 2021, she joined the Board of Regents for the Smithsonian Institution.
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Early Life and Education
Barbara Barrett studied at Arizona State University. She earned degrees in liberal arts, international business, and law. Many other universities have also given her honorary doctorates. These include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Pepperdine University.
Business Career
Before turning 30, Barbara Barrett was already a top executive. She worked for two large global companies. She also helped start Valley Bank of Arizona. She was a partner at a big law firm in Phoenix.
She has served on the boards of many important groups. These include the Space Foundation, Mayo Clinic, and Raytheon. From 1999 to 2001, she was president of the International Women's Forum. Since 1994, she has owned and been the CEO of the Triple Creek Guest Ranch.
Political and Diplomatic Career
U.S. Ambassador to Finland
From 2008 to 2009, Barbara Barrett was the U.S. ambassador to Finland. She worked for President George W. Bush. She also advised the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Secretary of the Air Force
On October 16, 2019, Barbara Barrett became the 25th Secretary of the Air Force. She was sworn in two days later. She announced her resignation on January 12, 2021. Her term ended on January 20, 2021.
Academic Career
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Barbara Barrett has taught leadership at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 2012, she was the interim president of Thunderbird School of Global Management. This school is now part of Arizona State University. She also led the American Management Association.
She helped create Project Artemis. This program trains and mentors women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan. In 2000, Arizona State University named its Honors College after her and her husband. This was to thank them for a large donation.
Aviation Career
Barbara Barrett is a skilled pilot. She was the first civilian woman to land an F/A-18 Hornet jet on an aircraft carrier. In 2014, she joined the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.
She has also trained to be an astronaut. She was a backup for a spaceflight to the International Space Station. She also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Awards and Recognition
Barbara Barrett has received many awards. These include the FAA Administrators Award for Distinguished Service. She also received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. The Horatio Alger Award recognized her as a distinguished American.
Personal Life
Barbara Barrett was born on a farm in Pennsylvania. She is married to Craig Barrett. He used to be the chairman and CEO of Intel. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2007. While ambassador to Finland, she bicycled 900 kilometers across the country.
