The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized the extraordinary leadership of David Ahlem, board advisor and former CEO and president of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, co-founder & CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, chairman & CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, and founder of fairlife, with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. 

Now in its seventh year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to leaders in the dairy industry who have made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.

“We are truly pleased to be able to recognize two of the dairy industry’s most exceptional leaders. David Ahlem and Mike McCloskey embody everything that makes our industry remarkable — from visionary leadership and innovation to integrity and a commitment to the people who help dairy thrive,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “IDFA is proud to honor David and Mike with the Laureate Award, our highest recognition, and to celebrate their lasting impact and legacy of leadership.”

 David Ahlem currently serves as board advisor at Hilmar. Prior to his retirement in 2025, Ahlem led Hilmar as the CEO and president of the company since September 1, 2015. He joined Hilmar in 2004 and has functioned in several leadership roles, which have deepened his passion for the dairy business and expanded his experience. His expertise includes dairy policy, strategic management, and customer relations. 

A proactive member of the dairy industry, Ahlem has participated with leadership peers in a variety of associations. He previously served as chair of the International Dairy Foods Association Executive Council, and as a board member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and the Dairy Institute of California. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award and to be recognized by an industry that has given me so much over the course of my career,” Ahlem said. “This recognition truly belongs to the owners, employees, dairy farmers, industry peers and customers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside these past 22 years. We’ve embraced innovation and worked to demonstrate the power and promise of dairy to improve lives. I am inspired every day by the people in this industry and deeply grateful for the time, talent and trust they invest to build an even stronger future together.”

 Mike McCloskey is co-founder and CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, the sixth-largest milk cooperative in the United States. He is also the founder of fairlife and serves as chairman and CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, a leading agrotourism destination in the Corn Belt of Northwest Indiana. Dr. McCloskey began his career in veterinary medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Mexico, followed by a two-year postdoctoral residency in Dairy Production Medicine at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

 “I am humbly honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award,” McCloskey said. “This recognition belongs to the many colleagues and friends who made it a spectacular journey, and to the broader dairy community that continues to move our industry forward. Through collaboration among dairy farmers, processors, and partners, we’ve driven innovation, grown markets, and provided nutritious dairy foods that strengthen communities and our economy. It has been a true privilege to be part of this work, and I’m grateful to be recognized by my peers with this award.”

 Previous recipients of the IDFA Laureate Award are: Tim Galloway, chairman of Galloway Company (2025); Mike Durkin, former president and CEO of Leprino Foods (2025); Ricky Dickson, former CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries (2024); Jim Sartori, chairman and CEO of Sartori Company (2023); Larry Webster, CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative (2023); Ed Mullins, senior executive officer of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (2022); Dan Zagzebski, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese (2022); Sue Taylor, vice president of dairy economics and policy for Leprino Foods Company (2021); and Andrei Mikhalevsky, former president and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. (2020).