The checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy announced new board officers and members of the organization’s executive committee, elected at its first meeting of the new year.

Dairy Farmers of America President and CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh will remain chair of the board of directors, which includes leadership from across the dairy value chain.

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 Co.
• 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. 

“The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy was built by dairy farmers to unite leaders across the entire value chain around shared priorities that strengthen trust and growth for U.S. dairy,” said Barbara O’Brien (pictured), president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. and the Innovation Center.

“Each board member brings valuable perspective and deep expertise. 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.”