Tyson Foods names former Arkansas governor to board

Former Arkansas Gov. 

Mike Beebe has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods.

Beebe, 68, was appointed in early December and becomes one of eight independent directors on the ten-member Tyson Foods board. He was governor of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015, served as the state's attorney general from 2003 to 2007 and was 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," said John Tyson, chairman of the board of directors for Tyson Foods. "We believe his skills will benefit Tyson Foods as we continue to grow and become an even better company."

"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.

"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," said Beebe.

Since leaving office, Beebe joined the Governors' Council for the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C., serves as an advisor to Arkansas State University and is of counsel to the Roberts Law Firm in Little Rock.

Beebe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Arkansas State University and earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas. He was involved in private law practice for 30 years and previously served on the board of trustees at Arkansas State University.

In addition to Beebe, Thurber and Chairman 

John Tyson, other members of the Tyson Foods board of directors 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.