Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed former Smithfield Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Charles “Larry” Pope to Christopher Newport University’s Board of Visitors.

Pope is one of five new appointees Youngkin announced on June 30 to CNU’s 14-member governing body. Board members are appointed by the governor to four-year terms and confirmed by the General Assembly. The board is tasked with controlling CNU’s property and funds, making rules and regulations and appointing the university president, faculty and all other personnel.

“I’m delighted to appoint this group of proven leaders in their respective fields to help ensure every student has a best-in-class education,” Youngkin said. “I have tasked these innovators to bring their expertise as parents, industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to ensure our classrooms and our campuses prepare students for success in life. This includes providing equal access to educational opportunities regardless of background or zip code, protecting and promoting free speech, restoring the ability to have civil discourse, keeping tuition affordable, and ensuring that all Virginians have access to in-demand career pathways. Together, we will make Virginia the best place to learn across a lifetime.”

Pope retired from Smithfield Foods at the end of 2015 and now resides in Williamsburg.