Honoring a Legacy, Embracing Checkoff’s Next Chapter

Change is never easy, especially when it involves someone who has dedicated 25 years to serving dairy farmers and importers. But change also brings opportunity, and that is exactly how I view the leadership transition taking place at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI).

As we prepare to say goodbye to Barbara O'Brien and welcome Corey Scott as our next president and CEO, I find myself reflecting on how far the checkoff has come and the tremendous opportunities ahead.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Barb for more than a decade, including the last five years as she led DMI and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. During that time, I have seen firsthand her commitment and determination to make sure our checkoff investments deliver value.

When I think about Barb’s contributions, one thing stands out: relationships.

Barb understood that the checkoff’s strength comes from people working together. She made it a priority to visit farms of all sizes, listen to farmers and understand the challenges and opportunities we face. She also helped build important relationships across the dairy industry, bringing farmers, processors, customers and other partners together around shared goals.

That collaborative approach has helped strengthen our checkoff’s ability to build demand for dairy.

Under Barb’s leadership, DMI expanded its focus on science and innovation, strengthened partnerships with companies such as Domino’s and Taco Bell and advanced important work through the Innovation Center. Our relationships in the medical field is another example of how checkoff-funded research can help uncover new opportunities for dairy.

These efforts are about much more than individual programs. They represent investments in dairy’s future and a foundation that will benefit farmers and importers for years to come.

For that, Barb deserves our heartfelt thanks.

Finding the Right Leader

When Barb announced her retirement, the DMI board understood the importance of finding the right person to build on that foundation.

This was not a decision we took lightly.

Our six-member search committee, which included DMI board officers and the chairs of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and United Dairy Industry Association, worked with an executive search firm on an extensive national search.

We received more than 200 applications. From there, we conducted nine virtual interviews before narrowing the field to four candidates for in-person interviews and eventually two finalists.

I share those details because farmers and importers deserve to know how seriously we approached this responsibility. We wanted a leader who understood our industry, respected the funders of the checkoff and had the vision and experience to move DMI forward.

At every stage of the process, Corey Scott rose to the top.

The more we learned about Corey, the more confident we became that she was the right person for the job.

Corey has nearly 20 years of experience in food and agriculture, including leadership roles at Land O’Lakes and, most recently, as CEO of Midwest Dairy. She understands the checkoff system, has worked closely with farmers and recognizes the importance of demonstrating results from their investments. 

Just as important, she brings energy, fresh thinking and a strong commitment to science, research and innovation.

I have been especially encouraged by Corey’s understanding that farmers are constantly adapting. We are finding new ways to improve our operations, become more efficient and respond to a changing marketplace. We should expect that same willingness to innovate from the organizations working on our behalf.

Corey recognizes that responsibility.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The dairy industry has tremendous opportunities, but we also face challenges. Consumer expectations are changing, competition is increasing and farmers continue to find ways to produce more milk efficiently.

That means our checkoff must remain focused on growing demand, opening new markets and ensuring dairy remains relevant to consumers.

Corey will bring her own leadership style and ideas to this work, and that is something our board welcomes. We did not conduct a national search to find someone who would simply maintain the status quo. We wanted someone who could build on our progress and help take the organization to the next level.

As a dairy farmer, I understand the importance of making every investment count. Our board shares that responsibility, and we are confident Corey will keep our expectations at the center of DMI’s work.

I am grateful for the remarkable foundation Barb has built and excited about the future under Corey’s leadership.

Leadership may change, but our purpose does not: working together to grow demand for dairy and deliver value to the farmers and importers who make it all possible.