The chief financial officer for America’s largest auto retailer has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc., company officials announced. 44-year-old Cheryl S. Miller, executive vice president and chief financial officer for AutoNation, Inc., joined the Tyson Foods board effective December 14, 2016. She becomes one of nine independent directors on the twelve-member board and will serve on the audit committee.

Miller has more than 20 years of corporate finance experience including over 15 years in the automotive industry. At AutoNation, a Fortune 150 company, she is a member of the company’s executive committee and is responsible for all financial functions.

“Our nominating committee recommended Cheryl because of her financial background in consumer-focused industries and her experience in such key areas as acquisitions, cybersecurity and e-commerce,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tyson Foods, John Tyson. “We believe her insight will be helpful as we explore new ways to continue growing our business.”

Miller joined AutoNation in 2009 as treasurer and vice president of Investor Relations and was promoted to CFO in 2014. She previously served as vice president and treasurer for JM Family Enterprises, a diversified automotive company, and ION Media Networks. Miller also previously held financial management jobs at Republic Industries, and its successor companies of AutoNation and Alamo/National car rental, as well as Circuit City Stores.

Miller has received numerous honors including the Florida Diversity Council's Glass Ceiling Award and CFO of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal. She has also been listed as one of 30 Outstanding Women in Finance by Treasury & Risk magazine, one of the nation's top female CFOs by Business Insider magazine, a member of the 2017 All-America Executive Team in the Midcap Best CFOs category by Institutional Investor magazine and one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry by Automotive News.

A native of Puerto Rico and resident of Florida, Miller holds a bachelor's degree in finance and business administration from James Madison University. She is an advisory board member for the Florida Institute of CFOs and serves on the board of directors and investment committee for the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

In addition to Miller and Chairman John Tyson, other current members of the Tyson Foods board of directors are Gaurdie E. Banister Jr.; Mike Beebe; Mikel A. Durham; current Tyson Foods president and incoming CEO Tom Hayes; Kevin M. McNamara; Brad T. Sauer; Jeffrey K. Schomburger; current CEO Donnie Smith; Robert Thurber and Barbara A. Tyson.

Source: Tyson Foods Inc.