Reatha King

Reatha Clark King (b. 1938) is the former Chairman, Board of Trustees, General Mills Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of General Mills, Inc..

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Early life and career

King was born in pavo Georgia and worked picking cotton as a child. She attended Clark College and the University of Chicago and holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and mathematics, a master of science degree in chemistry, a master of business administration degree in finance management, and a Ph.D. degree in thermochemistry.

After graduation, King worked at a variety of jobs, including Research Chemist for the National Bureau of Standards; Chemistry Professor, Associate Dean for Division of Natural Science & Mathematics, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, York College, City University of New York; President, Metropolitan State University.

Career in business

Dr. King served as President and Executive Director, General Mills Foundation, and Vice President, General Mills Inc. from 1988-2002. She was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of General Mills Foundation in 2002 and retired in 2003.

She has also been the director of many companies including: ExxonMobil, Wells Fargo & Company; Department 56, Inc.; International Trachoma Initiative; Minnesota Mutual Companies, Inc. Trustee, Clark Atlanta University; and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Additionally, she is a Life Trustee for the University of Chicago. Dr. King is the recipient of numerous awards, including 14 honorary doctorate degrees.