CARLINVILLE, Ill.—Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. has appointed Edward Mullins as exec. v.p. and CEO. Mullins’ appointment follows the July death of Roger Capps, who served as CEO of the dairy cooperative since Oct. 2000. Capps was 70, and died of cancer.

Mullins becomes only the fourth Chief Executive in the 68-year history of the Midwest dairy food processor and distributor. He joined Prairie Farms Dairy in 1980, working in retail dairy sales.

Capps began his career in the Diary industry in 1955, working for Sugar Creek, a division of Kraft Foods. During his tenure with Kraft, Capps held managerial positions in several locations and became v.p. of the Sealtest/Breyers division.

In June 1977, he joined Prairie Farms as v.p. of production and operations. He succeeded Leonard Southwell as chief executive in October 2000. Most recently, he guided the co-op’s participation in the successful St. Louis School Milk Test.

Capps is survived by his wife Patti, three children and five grandchildren.