“The dairy industry is placing a strong emphasis on its people and the next generation of senior leaders,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “IDFA is proud to offer the NextGen Leadership Program as a platform to support and elevate emerging executives as they advance in their careers. We continue to be impressed by the exceptional caliber of candidates who apply each year. The future of our industry is in great hands.”

Now in its seventh year, the NextGen Leadership Program is tailored for mid- to senior-level professionals ready to advance into executive roles. The program includes a blend of in-person and virtual sessions focused on three core pillars: advocacy, leadership development, and networking. Participants strengthen their leadership capabilities, build lasting peer connections, and develop advanced advocacy skills to represent the dairy industry effectively. To date, the program’s alumni network includes eight current CEOs and dozens of senior executive leaders who remain active through in-person events and ongoing peer engagement.

“We are excited to welcome Cohort 7 and look forward to another meaningful year of leadership development and connection,” said Colin Newman, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff. “These emerging leaders will enhance their skills, broaden their professional networks, and become part of a dynamic alumni community that is shaping the future of the dairy industry.”

 The 2025-26 class includes:

• Sebastian Albella, Director of Industrial & Dairy Business, Flora Food Group
• Casey Baumler, Director of Sales, Novonesis
• Trevor Beltz, Manager of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Elizabeth Brault, Quality Systems Director, fairlife, LLC
• John Dwyer, Senior Quality Assurance Manager, Chobani, Inc.
• Anthony Garcia, Director of Supply Chain and Logistics, Biery Cheese Company
• Carina Hernandez, Senior Manager, IT Business Partner - Corporate Applications, Hilmar
• Emily Kittendorf-King, Communications Manager, Michigan Milk Producers Association
• Andy Kollman, Vice President of Plant Operations, Blue Bell Creameries, L.P.
• Lauren Lewis, Global Dairy Procurement Manager, Abbott
• Jose Matos-Medina, Senior Director of Finance, Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative
• Christopher McCarthy, Vice President Supply Planning & Logistics, Sargento
• Mike Miller, Senior Sourcing Manager - Dairy, Wells Enterprises, Inc.
• Katie Moore, Vice President of Sales, Ever.Ag
• Aurelie Murray, Senior National Account Managers, a2 Milk Company
• Catherine Musulin, Head of Mission and Sustainability, Horizon Organic Dairy
• Xiao Pan, Senior Director of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs – North America, Mars
• Didier Paramo, Senior Manager, Operational Excellence, Grande Cheese Company
• Christopher Pennings, Senior Director - Global Performance & Strategic Initiatives, Agropur
• Michele Radecki, Vice President of Retail Sales, Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc.
• Cody Reisman, Head of Regulatory and Trade, Ornua Foods North America
• Barbara Sawicki, Regulatory Affairs Director, Bel Brands USA, Inc.
• Cory Schmidt, Director of Strategic Sourcing & Risk Management, Associated Milk Producers, Inc.
• Keith Schuman, Lake County Dairy Business Unit Lead, Schuman Cheese
• Catrina Smith, Vice President of Research and Development, Schreiber Foods, Inc.
• Victor Vazquez, Director Cheese Sales, Glanbia Nutritionals
• Travis Victorine, Plant Manager, Crystal Creamery
• Ethan Widdes, Senior Director of Sales, Shamrock Foods Company
• Michael Zalaski, Senior Sales Director – Dairy Division, Kerry
• Derek Zwegust, Vice President Supply Chain & Logistics, Agri-Mark, Inc./Cabot