SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Russell Tooley, Tyson Foods’ senior vice president of corporate and international human resources, and James David, Tyson’s pricing manager with the company’s consumer products division, were recognized as Champions of Change by the White House on Nov. 9.

President Obama’s administration recognizes individuals and businesses that create jobs in the US and make positive impacts in the communities where they operate. Tyson was chosen to participate in this week’s discussion about the benefits of hiring military veterans in the corporate world due to the company’s continued efforts to employ veterans, reservists and their family members.


Tooley is instrumental in Tyson’s recruiting of military veterans for corporate headquarters and international teams. David was a US Air Force captain and now, in addition to his duties at Tyson, serves as an executive officer with the 22nd Air Force Detachment 1 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Little Rock Air Force base. Tooley is one of six people recognized as a Champion; David is one of five military veterans who participated in the roundtable.

Tyson employs about 3,000 military veterans and is a member of the American Logistics Association, which recently committed to hiring 25,000 veterans and their family members over the next two years. It also employs more than 500 military family members and veterans who help stock Tyson products at military commissaries.

The company regularly makes an effort to hire junior military officers who have received training from an outside agency on how to transition from the military to the business world.

Tyson also provides differential pay for all employees called to active military duty, making up the difference between military compensation and pay they normally receive from Tyson. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Tyson has provided $2 million in differential pay to almost 400 employees.

The event was broadcast live and will be available for playback on theWhite House’s YouTube channel.