Longtime Tyson Foods spokesman retires

Gary Mickelson (pronounced Michaelson) retired in early July as senior director of public relations at Springdale-based Tyson Foods, ending a 35-year career on the communications side of the meatpacking industry.

“He communicated the story of Tyson Foods and our industry to media around the world,” Tyson President and CEO Donnie King told the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. “He was also a trusted partner and adviser to the business. While we’ll miss him, we’re so happy he can now spend more time with his wife Deb, their three children, and granddaughter.”

King said the company is still searching for Mickelson’s replacement.

An Iowa native, Mickelson spent time working in his home state’s newspaper and television business. He joined Tyson Foods in 2001 when it bought his former employer, South Dakota meat processor IBP, for $3.2 billion. He’d been director of corporate media relations and the company’s primary media spokesperson ever since.

“I’m grateful to have been part of Tyson Foods’ growth and evolution and am anxious to see how the company continues to expand its role as an innovative, global food provider,” Mickelson said.