Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Elects New Board Executive Committee
Contact: Scott Wallin
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy announced new board officers and members of the organization’s executive committee, elected at its first meeting of the new year. The executive committee helps guide the board by advising on priorities and shaping the issues brought forward for full board consideration.
Dairy Farmers of America President and CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh will remain chair of the board of directors, which includes leadership from across the dairy value chain.
Other executive committee members seated at the meeting include:
- Vice chair: Ron Dunford, president and CEO, Schreiber Foods
- Treasurer: Sheryl Meshke, president and CEO, Associated Milk Producers Inc.
- Secretary: Lance FitzSimmons, president and CEO, Leprino Foods Company
- At-large: Heather Anfang, EVP and president, dairy foods, Land O'Lakes, Inc.
- At-large: Joe Diglio, president and CEO, Michigan Milk Producers Association
- At-large: Matt McClelland, CEO, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.
In addition, Pennsylvania dairy farmer Marilyn Hershey, who is chair of Dairy Management Inc., will serve as the farmer representative to the executive committee.
“The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy was built by dairy farmers to unite leaders across the entire value chain around shared priorities that strengthen trust and growth for U.S. dairy,” said Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. and the Innovation Center.
“Each board member brings valuable perspective and deep expertise. The leadership of the executive committee will help ensure we continue to drive industry-aligned strategies, develop tools and resources that support long-term business viability, enable the industry to speak with a unified voice and lead with purpose in an evolving global food system.”
For information about the Innovation Center, visit www.usdairy.com/about-us/innovation-center
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About the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
Founded by dairy farmers in 2008 through their checkoff, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® is a unique national forum that brings together leaders from across the entire dairy value chain – farmers, cooperatives, processors, customers, and allied industry – to address precompetitive priorities and strengthen trust in the dairy sector. Guided by the voices and perspectives of farm and industry leaders, the Innovation Center builds alignment, sets shared priorities, and accelerates best practices on the most important topics impacting food and agriculture today, from modern wellness and environmental stewardship to food safety, nutrition, and innovation. For more information, visit usdairy.com/about-us/innovation-center.
