Applied Materials Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., a supplier of products and services to semiconductor industry, announced yesterday the appointment of Dennis D. Powell to its board of directors, effective immediately. Powell has served in several finance-related positions since joining network-equipment provider Cisco Systems Inc. in 1997 and is currently executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to joining Cisco, Powell was employed by Coopers & Lybrand LLP for 26 years, where he was last a senior partner. He is currently a member of the board of directors of software maker Intuit Inc.