Former Governor Mike Beebe Named To Tyson Foods Board of Directors

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc., company officials announced Wednesday.

Beebe, 68, was appointed this week and becomes one of eight independent directors on the company’s 10-member 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,” John Tyson, chairman of the board, said in a company news release. “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 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, and Chairman John Tyson, other members of the Tyson Foods board of directors currently are Robert Thurber; 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.