Confirmation hearings start today She?s been called the most ?normal? of President-elect Donald Trump?s cabinet nominees, a Washington insider with years of government experience in her field. Today, Elaine Chao will start confirmation hearings for transportation secretary. Here?s what you need to know about the woman who may guide the country?s Department of Transportation through some of its most revolutionary changes in history.
She has a distinguished public service resume
This will not be Chao?s first cabinet confirmation hearing. She was the first Asian American woman appointed to any presidential cabinet when she was named labor secretary under George W. Bush, serving the entire eight years he was in office. Before that, she served as deputy secretary of transportation under George H. W. Bush. She?s also been director of the Peace Corps and CEO of United Way. She is the immigrant daughter of a shipping magnate
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Chao came to the U.S. at the age of eight. Her father, who was born in a small village outside Shanghai, started a freight company in New York City which became a global shipping giant. Today, the Foremost Group largely ships iron and coal around the world. Some have flagged this as a potential conflict of interest?Chao?s previous leadership roles in the Department of Transportation have included maritime regulations and overseas trade.

AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko

She?s affiliated with a think tank that has an i...