The checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy announced new board officers and members of the organization’s executive committee.
The Innovation Center is a voluntary organization that works across the dairy value chain to foster collaboration and progress to build a healthy and sustainable future for the dairy community, the people it serves, and the planet. 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. 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.
“Each board member brings valuable perspective and deep expertise,” says Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of DMI and the Innovation Center. “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.”
