O’Brien to retire as president of DMI

Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc (DMI) and the Innovation Center for US Dairy, announced she will retire at the end of her five-year term this autumn. O’Brien was unanimously approved by the DMI board of directors as CEO on  in October 2021, and has since led the organisation through a period of strategic alignment, innovation and measurable growth on behalf of America’s dairy farmers and importers, according to DMI.

O’Brien’s planned retirement initiates a leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and long-term success for the dairy checkoff. The DMI board of directors has begun succession planning efforts to support a smooth transition and continued focus on delivering value for dairy farmers and importers. O’Brien will continue leading the organisation through this period, working closely with the board and leadership teams to support continuity and execution of strategic priorities.

O’Brien said, “As we looked ahead, we knew this is the right and responsible time to give the organisation ample runway for a well-managed transition as the DMI board and search committee plan from a position of strength.”

She also oversees the work of National Dairy Council and the US Dairy Export Council, helping strengthen dairy’s position in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. As president and CEO of the Innovation Center for US Dairy, O’Brien has brought together leaders from 28 dairy companies and organisations to advance pre-competitive initiatives in animal care, environmental sustainability, hunger and community impact. Under her leadership, 39 companies representing 77% of U.S. milk production adopted the US Dairy Stewardship Commitment. O’Brien stressed that the organisation’s strategic direction and operational focus will remain unchanged in the coming months.