Angela Chao, CEO of dry bulk carrier Foremost Group and sister of former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, has died in a traffic accident, the company and her family announced.
Her father, James S.C. Chao, said the family was “heartbroken” by her death. Neither the company nor her family have disclosed details of the accident.
“Angela's name sounds like the Chinese characters for peace and prosperity, and she certainly gave more than her share to this world in both,” the elder Chao said in a statement. mentioned in. “Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but also in the Asian American community.”
Angela Chao, one of six siblings, has served as CEO of Foremost Group since 2018 and is a member of the U.S. Maritime Administration Council, Harvard Business School's Dean's Advisory Committee, He was also involved in many organizations, including serving on the board of the Metropolitan Opera. Among other things. Additionally, she is co-chair of the founding advisory board of the nonprofit Asian American Foundation and chair of the foundation's education committee, which aims to help students “get a quality education.” I served.
“The Asian American Foundation is heartbroken to learn of the shocking death of Angela Chao, a beloved businesswoman, philanthropist, and respected leader.” the nonprofit said in a statement. “Angela left an indelible mark on the Asian American Foundation and the AAPI community. A brilliant and dedicated leader, Angela's warmth, kindness, and contagious energy will continue to inspire us for decades to come. will continue to live on in his work.”
Chao was born in 1973 to prominent shipping company founder James SC Chao and the late Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. Her sister Elaine is married to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Information about other survivors was not immediately available.
According to her father, Angela showed an interest in shipping from an early age.
“[She] “He was a wonderful and curious companion who walked me to the office on 'Take My Daughter to Work' day,” he said in a statement.
She also loved music as a child, playing the French horn and “made sure to bring her horn to every lesson,” her father said. “These early experiences of hers created her lifelong passionate commitment to art.”
Angela Chao graduated from Harvard University and then attended Harvard Business School. She worked in the mergers and acquisitions department of Smith Barney, which is now part of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, until 1996 when she joined Foremost Group.
“As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was tirelessly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted,” Chao said in a family statement. “She made us laugh and smile. She believed deeply that the true treasure in life was family, friends, and helping others. At such a young age Losing her is something we could never have imagined and our entire family is heartbroken.”
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