Springdale, Ark. – March 15, 2017 – A former military chaplain with more than 33 years of experience in ministry has been named director of chaplain services at Tyson Foods.
Karen Diefendorf will lead and direct Tyson Foods’ chaplaincy program, which includes more than 90 chaplains who provide pastoral care, counseling and support to team members at many of the company’s plant and office locations.
“Karen has an extensive background as a chaplain, and we’re pleased to have her lead our chaplains and reinforce our commitment to being faith-friendly,” said Rod Nagel, senior vice president of human resources at Tyson Foods.
Karen most recently served as a chaplain at Hospice Care of South Carolina and as a part-time chaplain at Tyson Foods’ Columbia, S.C. facility. She has had a distinguished career as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, and served at the highest level at the Army Chief of Chaplains office. She has also held other positions in the Army, including Battalion Chaplain at Fort Benning, Ga. and Chief of the Training and Development Division at the US Army Chaplain Center and School. Karen began her career in the ministry as a pastor at United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Ill. before attending the Chaplain Officer Basic Course in Fort Monmouth, N.J.
Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Ill. She earned her Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln and her Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University.
Tyson Foods’ chaplaincy program began in 2000, and provides compassionate pastoral care to team members and their families, regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. The program includes full and part-time chaplains who informally make themselves available to talk to team members.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 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 Foods 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.
Media Contact:
Caroline Ahn, caroline.ahn@tyson.com or 312-614-6047