Apple Praised for Appointing African-American to Board

James Bell, former corporate president of Boeing, was elected to Apple's board, the company said in a news release Thursday. "James brings a wealth of global, financial and industrial experience from his successful career at Boeing as corporate president and CFO," said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement. "I am thrilled to welcome him to Apple's board of directors and I look forward to working with him." Apple and Cook are to be commended for the decision to appoint Bell, who's African-American, said the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in a news release Thursday, and "their proven commitment to minority inclusion on their Board should encourage other companies in Silicon Valley to follow suit." Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH president, met with Cook at an Apple shareholder meeting in March to encourage the company to commit to diversity and inclusion.