New officers for US innovation centre

The checkoff-founded Innovation Center for US Dairy announced new board officers and members of the organisation’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 are the vice chair, now Ron Dunford, president and CEO, Schreiber Foods, Sheryl Meshke, president and CEO, Associated Milk Producers as treasurer, and Lance FitzSimmons, president and CEO, Leprino Foods Company is secretary. At-large members include: Heather Anfang, EVP and president, dairy foods, Land O’Lakes, Joe Diglio, president and CEO, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Matt McClelland, CEO, Prairie Farms Dairy.

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 US Dairy was built by dairy farmers to unite leaders across the entire value chain around shared priorities that strengthen trust and growth for US 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.”