Selected for their professional experience, leadership potential, and scope of responsibility within their organizations, members of Cohort 8 will take part in a program designed to help prepare the dairy industry’s next generation of senior executives. The program combines in-person and virtual experiences centered on advocacy, leadership development, and networking.
Importantly, the agreement also includes commitments that the EU’s sustainability regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, do not unfairly restrict EU-U.S. trade or burden U.S. companies.
In this role, Heather Soubra will lead IDFA’s NextGen Leadership Program, deepen collaboration with IDFA members and board leaders, and drive execution of the association’s new strategic plan, Vision of the Future 2.0. She will report to Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA.
The voluntary, industry-led commitment brings together U.S. ice cream makers working to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk and sold at retail by the end of 2027.
The expanded team is led by Chelsie Keys, senior vice president, government relations, and includes Rob Rosado, vice president, legislative affairs, who for six years has elevated IDFA’s advocacy efforts and Adam Tarr, vice president, legislative affairs, who joined IDFA in March. IDFA also announced that Darrin Youker has joined the association as director, state government relations, and Cal Wilson has joined as manager, government affairs. Youker and Wilson will report to Keys.
IDFA’s Executive Council officer group is forming a committee to support the process for selecting the association’s next president and CEO while Dykes continues to serve in his role through the end of 2026 to support a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.
The donations were announced at a two-hour service event at the food bank where more than 30 dairy food company executives sorted and packed lunches for food-insecure families. Altogether, the donations from the IDFA Foundation and its partners will support more than 22,000 meals for people in need.
In addition to the data-backed guidance, IDFA’s Project Diversify will expand over time to include interactive tools that allow users to explore emerging and high-potential markets across regions and product categories.
