Arizona diplomat Barbara Barrett tapped by Trump to lead Air Force

PHOENIX — An Arizona businesswoman and diplomat was nominated Tuesday by President Donald Trump to lead the United States Air Force.

The president said in a tweet that he was “pleased” to announce his nomination of Barbara Barrett to be the next Air Force secretary.

“She will be an outstanding Secretary!” Trump said.

I am pleased to announce my nomination of Barbara Barrett of Arizona, and former Chairman of the Aerospace Corporation, to be the next Secretary of the Air Force. She will be an outstanding Secretary! #FlyFightWin

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2019

Some Arizona officials applauded the move to nominate the chair of The Aerospace Corporation.

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, a fellow pilot, said in a tweet that she recommended Barrett for the role.

Congratulations to my friend and fellow Arizonan Ambassador Barbara Barrett. Thanks @realDonaldTrump for taking my recommendation on this important role and selecting an incredibly talented leader as next AF Secretary! https://t.co/gTPm4erJps

— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) May 21, 2019

Gov. Doug Ducey said Barrett brings “a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Congratulations, Barbara! This is a fantastic choice. Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is immensely qualified to serve as Secretary of the Air Force and is a true public servant. Arizona is proud! @usairforce https://t.co/Zd9XrTADjR

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 21, 2019

Congratulations to Barbara Barrett. An outstanding pick to lead the Air Force! https://t.co/rWwQ7ePpxP

— Arizona Chamber (@AZChamber) May 21, 2019

Vice President Mike Pence also gave his congratulations to Barrett.

Congratulations to Barbara Barrett – the next Secretary of the @USAirForce! She has had an incredible career in both government and the private sector, and will make our nation proud! https://t.co/KeVt8HdZUA

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 21, 2019

The 68-year-old would need to get confirmed by the Senate in order to succeed current Secretary Heather Wilson.

Wilson is stepping down at the end of the month to serve as president of the University of Texas at El Paso.

Barrett has a lengthy history of being involved in local and national politics.

In 1994, she became the first female Republican candidate for Arizona governor.

Barrett served as the U.S. ambassador to Finland in 2008 and 2009, under President George W. Bush.

She also was a senior adviser to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and chair for national working groups, advisory commissions and export conferences.

Barrett has also left her mark on Arizona — literally. She and her husband, former CEO of Intel Craig Barrett, gave Arizona State University an endowment of $10 million in 2000 and the university renamed the honors college after the couple.

Follow @KTAR923