Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale, the publicly traded meat processor announced Wednesday.
Beebe, 68, was appointed this week as one of eight independent directors on the 10-member board. Beebe, a Democrat, was governor from 2007 to 2015, state attorney general from 2003 to 2007 and a state senator from 1983 to 2003.
“Governor Beebe’s extensive leadership experience, ability to collaborate and his long-time support and understanding of business are among the reasons he was recommended by our nominating committee,” John Tyson, chairman of the company’s board, said in a news release. “We believe his skills will benefit Tyson Foods as we continue to grow and become an even better company.”
In its most recent proxy filing, Tyson Foods reported that board members made at least $80,000 in cash and received $125,000 worth of stock.
“I’m honored to be appointed and look forward to working with the leadership at Tyson Foods, a great company that provides so much to so many,” Beebe said in a news release.
Since leaving the governor’s office, Beebe has joined the Roberts Law Firm in Little Rock, served as an advisor to Arkansas State University and joined the Governors’ Council for the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
“Our goal is for the Tyson board to have the right balance of skill sets and experience and we’re confident Governor Beebe will be an excellent addition to what is already a strong and diverse board,” said Robert Thurber, chair of the board’s governance and nominating committee.
In addition to Beebe, Thurber and John Tyson, other members of the Tyson Foods board of directors currently are: Gaurdie E. Banister Jr.; Mikel A. Durham; Jim Kever; Kevin M. McNamara; Brad T. Sauer; Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith; and Barbara A. Tyson.
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