SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc. announced Monday that it has named Richard McKinnie as director of chaplain services for the company.

McKinnie replaces retiring chaplain Alan Tyson, who had started the program eight years ago. The company said that chaplain services provides compassionate pastoral care and support to Tyson team members and their families, regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. 

“We’re grateful for the outstanding work Alan has done building a well-organized chaplaincy program that is focused on helping meet the needs of our people,” said Rod Nagel, senior vice president of human resource operations. “We welcome Rick McKinnie to our company and are confident he has the experience and leadership abilities needed to ensure this important ministry continues to operate successfully.”

McKinnie has served at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers in Topeka and Leavenworth since 1993 and also previously worked as a chaplain at the VA Medical Centers in Memphis and Kansas City.   He is a board-certified clinical chaplain with the National Association of VA Chaplains.

Source: Tyson Foods Inc.