Nikki Haley could make $315,000-plus a year if elected a Boeing director
Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former Republican S.C. governor, has been nominated to the board of directors of the Boeing Co.
The aerospace giant, which has a huge North Charleston plane-making plant that has received millions of dollars in state incentives, said Tuesday in a press release that Haley has been nominated to be elected as a director at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on April 29.
The new post could pay Haley more than $300,000 a year.
“Ambassador Haley brings to Boeing an outstanding record of achievement in government, industry partnership, and successfully driving economic prosperity for communities in America and around the world,” Boeing chief executive officer Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement. “Boeing will benefit greatly from her broad perspectives and combined diplomatic, government and business experience to help achieve our aspiration to be the best in aerospace and a global industrial champion.”
Haley, 47, resigned as U.N. ambassador at the end of 2018, citing a need for time off after nearly 14 years in political office, including as S.C. governor. The Clemson University graduate first was elected to the S.C. House in 2004, serving three terms before being elected governor, serving from 2011 to 2017. Haley was appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations by President Donald Trump in January 2017, serving until December 2018.
Haley, widely considered a probable GOP candidate for president in 2024, continues to up her profile after leaving the Trump administration.
On Monday, Haley announced the formation of her “Stand for America” advocacy group to promote public policies “that strengthen America’s economy, culture, and national security.” Haley, too, plans to write a new book.
Now, she hopes to add corporate experience to her growing resume, which political observers say could be helpful to her future political aspirations.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to contribute to Boeing’s continued success as a cutting-edge industry leader and a great American company,” Haley said in a statement. “Not only is Boeing the largest aerospace company in the world and America’s biggest exporter, it also understands the importance of teamwork and building community through its network of suppliers in all 50 states and around the world.”
Haley’s nomination as a director comes as state officials hope to persuade Boeing to build its next jet in North Charleston, where it now builds the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing has been studying the market potential for a new midsize airplane.
Boeing has said it would make a final decision on where to build the new jet in 2020, according to Reuters.
Haley, who left office with around $1 million in debt, according to federal income disclosures, stands to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars from serving on Boeing’s board.
According to the company’s 2018 proxy statement, Boeing directors earned from $123,600 to more than $409,600 each in total compensation in 2017. That includes cash, stock awards, reimbursement for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and up to $31,000 from the company to match contributions that directors make to eligible non-profit organizations.
The company in 2017 paid non-employee directors an annual cash retainer of $135,000, Directors serving in leadership positions received additional annual fees. Board members, too, received $180,000 in Boeing stock in 2017.
The total compensation would surpass what Haley made in a year as governor — $106,000 — or U.N. ambassador — $180,000 . Haley also signed up with the Washington Speakers Bureau after leaving the Trump administration, and reportedly is asking for $200,000 per speaking engagement and the use of a private jet.
Haley, in an interview with The Washington Post, also discussed plans for a forthcoming book that could bring a large advance.
This story was originally published February 26, 2019 at 9:52 AM.
