Apple's Lisa Jackson expands leadership role to government, education policy

Apple on Tuesday quietly announced Lisa Jackson will taken on additional duties beyond company related environmental issues, and is to be responsible for all policy initiatives including worldwide government affairs, education, accessibility and social concerns.

As reflected on Apple's executive bio webpage, Jackson is now vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, a promotion confirmed by The Washington Post.

In a memo sent out to employees, CEO Tim Cook explained the broader area of responsibility will see Jackson managing government affairs, a task with which she is familiar given her former role as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"Lisa will apply her passion and her unique skill set to integrate teams across Apple and make our impact even greater. As part of her new role, Lisa will also take over management of our worldwide Government Affairs function," the memo reads.

Jackson's new duties also entail oversight of important education initiatives that have long been at Apple's core. According to Cook, the company is already working with 114 schools through the ConnectED program.

Apple hired Jackson in 2013 to mitigate any impact company operations might have on the environment. The executive has proven effective in balancing out Apple's increasing appetite for raw materials, energy and clean waste disposal associated with device manufacturing and data services. Through various renewable energy, recycling and supplier responsibility projects, Apple has been able to maintain a relatively small carbon footprint while fostering use of self-replenishing vital resources like virgin fiber.