SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc. appointed former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe as a member of its board of directors.

The 68-year-old Beebe is one of eight independent directors on the 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," 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.”

Robert Thurber, chair of the board’s governance and nominating committee, said the goal of the Tyson board is 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.”

Since leaving office, Beebe joined the Governors’ Council for the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. He also serves as an advisor to Arkansas State Univ. 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,” Beebe said.

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

In addition to Beebe, Thurber and John Tyson, other members of the Tyson’ 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.