Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe named to Tyson Foods board

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc. 

Beebe, 68, was appointed this week and becomes one of eight independent directors on the 10-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 Tyson Board Chair John Tyson. “We believe his skills will benefit Tyson Foods as we continue to grow and become an even better company.”

Since leaving office, Beebe joined the Governor’s 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.

“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.

Robert Thurber, chairman of Tyson’s board governance and nominating committee, said  Beebe was selected because his skill sets are a good fit for the board’s already diverse and strong makeup.

Beebe joins the following board members: Tyson; Thurber; Gaurdie Banister Jr.; Mikel Durham; Jim Kever; Kevin McNamara; Brad Sauer; Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith; and Barbara Tyson.