Facebook commits to hiring a black board member

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg told members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that the social media company is committed to hiring an African-American to its board of directors “within the foreseeable future.”

“We got a commitment today from Ms. Sandberg that an African-American will be appointed to the board of directors in the future,” said Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), a former caucus chairman who was in the meeting.

{mosads}Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) confirmed Butterfield’s account, saying that she could not share details beyond the commitment. Kelly did note that it seemed like Facebook had a candidate in mind, but said that Sandberg did not share who it is.

Sandberg’s commitment came as members of the CBC pressed her on Facebook’s lack of diversity during a Thursday meeting at the Capitol. The company has no black executives or board members.

“We get a lot of lip service from the technology companies,” Butterfield told reporters. “We’ve continued to exert pressure on technology companies to be more diverse and inclusive. Not only will it help their bottom line, but it will make America stronger.”