Nancy Pelosi names first woman as US House of Representatives chaplain

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday nominated Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben as the new House chaplain, a trail-blazing figure who will be the first woman to hold the role.

Kibben, a Bronze Star recipient, will replace Rev. Pat Conroy who has served in the ceremonial role since 2011.

“Kibben brings decades of decorated experience in the military and the ministry, as a retired Rear Admiral who served as the U.S. Navy’s Chief Chaplain and the chaplain of the Marine Corps,” Pelosi said in a statement.