pounds of food to the communities along the Gulf of Mexico after the April 20, 2010, oil spill. Tyson has supported "Little Free Pantries," and has partnered with the Chicago Urban League for educational programs on misconceptions about SNAP (food stamp) benefits. Tyson "pledged to invest $50 million by 2020 in various efforts to fight food insecurity" in 2015. The company exceeded that goal, with contributions of over $60 million to start the year 2020. Tyson Foods has made political donations to both major parties. Religious activities In addition to placing 128 part-time chaplains (including both Protestant and Catholic Christians and Muslim Imams) in 78 Tyson plants, in 2006 the company invited their customers to download a prayer book, containing prayers from many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Native American spirituality, from the company's website to read during mealtime. Research and development In 2007, Tyson created the Tyson Discovery Center, a R&D center at their headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, to work on new products and better packaging. They later opened a second Discovery Center in Downers Grove, Illinois. As of 2017, Tyson has about 300 employees in R&D. Corporate governance Board of Directors John H. Tyson Kevin M. McNamara Les R. Baledge Gaurdie E. Banister, Jr Dean Banks Mike Beebe David J. Bronczek Mikel A. Durham Jonathan D. Mariner Cheryl S. Miller Jeffrey K. Schomburger Robert C. Thurber Barbara A. Tyson Noel White CEOs John W. Tyson, the founder, was CEO from 1935 until his death in 1967. Don Tyson, CEO and chairman (1967 to 1991). Leland Tollett (1991 until 1998). John H. Tyson (1999 to 2006). Richard L. Bond 2006 until January 7, 2009) (his position was filled bH temporary replacement Leland Tollett. Donnie Smith (November 2009 to December 2016). In November 2016, the company announced Smith would be succeeded at the turn of the year by company president Tom Hayes. Hayes (2017-September 2018). Noel White (October 2018-October 3, 2020, beginning of the 2021 fiscal year). Dean Banks, former Alphabet executive (October 2020- June 2021). He received a $1.2 million salary and received a $5 million bonus to move to northwest Arkansas by December 2020 or not voluntarily resign by the end of 2021 fiscal year. On June 2, 2021, President and CEO Dean Banks resigned for family reasons. Donnie King, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO), served as president and CEO beginning February 2021 and is still