The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) appointed Maggie McClain as vice president, communications, effective April 20, 2026.

McClain brings nearly two decades of strategic communications and public affairs experience across the food, agriculture and health sectors, with expertise in media relations, executive positioning, issues management, and translating complex regulatory developments into strategic guidance. She will report to Andrew Jerome, senior vice president, strategic communications, and work closely with colleagues across IDFA’s government relations, regulatory, trade and membership departments to advance the organization’s priorities.

“Maggie is an exceptional communications leader with significant experience across public affairs, media, and reputation management in the food and agriculture sectors,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “Her perspective and expertise will strengthen IDFA’s ability to help members navigate an increasingly complex policy environment, shape the conversations that matter most to the dairy industry, and reinforce our position as a trusted and influential partner in Washington and beyond.”

 At IDFA, McClain will be deeply engaged in policy and advocacy communications, leading the day-to-day execution of media relations, earned media, member policy communications, and digital advocacy efforts. She will help shape compelling narratives around dairy’s leadership in nutrition, trade, food safety, workforce and innovation, while working across the organization to ensure IDFA’s voice remains credible and influential with policymakers, members and the media.

McClain joins IDFA from FleishmanHillard, where she served as senior vice president, supporting the firm’s Brand Impact and Public Affairs teams and leading integrated communications and executive positioning campaigns for leading food, agriculture, health, and consumer brands. Her background also includes prior roles at H+K Strategies, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), Banner Public Affairs, and the Consumer Brands Association. She holds a bachelor's degree in media and communications studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“Dairy sits at the intersection of policy, public trust, and America's food security, and I'm excited to help tell that story at this pivotal moment,” said McClain. “IDFA's work advancing nutrition policy, trade competitiveness, and stakeholder engagement is exactly the kind of mission-driven impact I want to lead. Working with this exceptional team, I look forward to advancing the industry's priorities and ensuring dairy's essential role in America's food system remains strong for generations to come.”