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Leland Tollett, interim president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, Inc., today named Archie Schaffer executive vice president, corporate affairs, a new position that is intended to enhance and expand the company’s role in the business community. Schaffer, who has been with the company 18 years, was previously senior vice president for external relations where he oversaw the company’s government, public and community relations efforts. He will continue to report to Tollett in his new job.“I am pleased for the company that we can continue to benefit from the considerable talents Archie Schaffer has offered us over the past two decades,” Tollett said. “This new position will give us more depth in the corporate affairs arena, and better enable us to communicate with others in the world of business and those in government who regulate and influence our business.“
Schaffer joined Tyson in 1991 as director of media, public and governmental affairs. His roles and responsibilities grew and he became senior vice president for external relations in 1999. Prior to joining Tyson, Schaffer was administrative assistant to Governor and Senator Dale Bumpers and was Executive Director of the Arkansas Business Council.
Tollett also announced that Sara Lilygren, Tyson’s vice president, federal governmental relations in Washington, D.C., will move to Springdale, AR, to become senior vice president, external relations at the end of June. Lilygren has run Tyson’s lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. for seven years. She will report to Schaffer in this new role.
“Sara Lilygren will be a wonderful addition to our senior management team and we are glad to have her join us here in our Springdale headquarters,” Tollett said.
Prior to joining Tyson in 2002, Lilygren served 18 years in several positions, culminating in senior vice president for legislative and public affairs, at the American Meat Institute, a Washington, D.C. trade association that represents the meat industry. Earlier in her career she was manager of public relations for the National Food Processors Association (now called Grocery Manufacturers of America) from 1982-84, and account manager for Fraser/Associates, a Washington, D.C. public affairs agency, from 1980-82. She earned a B.A. in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 107,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
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