Contact: Scott Wallin
scott.wallin@dairy.org
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) today announced the formal launch of its search for a new president and chief executive officer, following the announced planned retirement of CEO Barbara O’Brien later this year.
The DMI Board of Directors has engaged ZRG Partners, a top ten global talent advisory firm, to support a comprehensive and inclusive search process aimed at identifying a dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
The search marks an important milestone in DMI’s leadership transition, which was initiated earlier this year as part of a deliberate and well-planned succession process designed to ensure continuity and long-term success for the dairy checkoff.
“We are approaching this search from a position of strength, with a clear strategy, strong momentum and a deep commitment to delivering results,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors. “The board is focused on identifying a leader who will build on that foundation—someone who can continue to unite the U.S. dairy community, accelerate innovation and drive relevance and growth in both domestic and global markets.”
The next CEO will be responsible for advancing DMI’s mission to increase dairy sales, drive innovation and build trust in dairy products and the farm families behind them. This includes oversight of the national dairy checkoff and its related organizations, including National Dairy Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
O’Brien will continue to serve as president and CEO through the completion of her term, working closely with the board and leadership team to support a seamless transition and continued execution of DMI’s strategic priorities.
DMI encourages qualified candidates and industry leaders interested in the role to direct inquiries, nominations and applications to Melissa Oszustowicz, Managing Director at ZRG at moszustowicz@zrgpartners.com.
The board expects to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search process and will provide updates as appropriate.
For more information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.
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About Dairy Management Inc.
Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by more than 23,000 dairy farmers and dairy importers. DMI manages the national checkoff program and collaborates with state and regional checkoff teams across the United States to boost domestic and global dairy sales through research, education and marketing initiatives. The checkoff also is focused on fostering consumer trust in dairy products and the farm families behind them. DMI manages National Dairy Council and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Newtrient.
