Charles M. “Mike” Harper was chief executive officer and/or chairman of the board of ConAgra, Inc. for 22 years. During this period, ConAgra’s sales increased from $600 million to over $23 billion. Following a heart attack in 1985, he initiated the Healthy Choice line of low-fat frozen foods which generated sales of over $1 billion in three years, becoming the industry leader in that segment. He retired as chief executive officer in 1992 and as chairman of the board in 1997 at age 70.

In May 1993, Mr. Harper joined RJR Nabisco, Inc. in New York as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the holding company. Working with KKR, he improved profitability and successfully transitioned RJR from a highly leveraged LBO to a financially sound company. He retired as chairman of the board and chief executive officer after serving three years.

Prior to joining ConAgra, Mr. Harper served 20 years with the Pillsbury Company. When he left in 1974, he was group vice president with operating responsibilities for several businesses. Mr. Harper also served five years at General Motors Corporation. Harper has served as a director of a number of Fortune 500 companies.

Harper has been recognized as “CEO of the Year” by Financial World magazine, and ten times by The Wall Street Transcript as the top chief executive officer for ConAgra’s industry segments. He has received many community, industry and national service recognitions. He has been awarded honorary degrees from Creighton University, Purdue University, the University of Nebraska, the College of St. Mary, Kearney State College and Hastings College.

Harper has a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He was named alumnus of the year by the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.