Gina Haspel confirmed as CIA's first female director Thursday May 17,2018

President Trump’s pick to head the CIA is a seasoned spymaster who has avoided the limelight during a 32-year career that has included stints running overseas “black sites” where dangerous terrorists were waterboarded.

Gina Haspel, 61, was confirmed by the Senate on May 17, which means she can officially take command of the spy agency from Mike Pompeo, who Trump nominated as Secretary of State after firing Rex Tillerson. 

The U.S. Senate Gina Haspel on Thursday May 17,2018 confirmed 51-43 in favor of her nomination in the 100-member chamber , where a simple majority was required for confirmation., ending a bruising confirmation fight centered on her ties to the spy agency's past use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation techniques

Haspel previously served as Pompeo’s deputy. In stepping in as the CIA's new chief, she becomes the agency's first-ever female director.

“I am grateful to President Trump for the opportunity, and humbled by his confidence in me,” Haspel said in a statement.