California Ag Network

Tag: Dairy Industry Leadership

  • IDFA Appoints Heather Soubra to Senior VP Position

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Heather Soubra has rejoined as senior vice president, strategic initiatives and industry relations. In this role, Soubra will lead IDFA’s highly successful 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 President and CEO Michael Dykes.

    “Heather is a trusted strategist and results-oriented leader who knows IDFA, our members and the dairy industry deeply,” Dykes said. “She understands how to bring people together, move complex work forward and deliver results. I am excited to welcome Heather back to the IDFA team and look forward to the impact she will have as we continue delivering meaningful value to our members and advancing IDFA’s mission to make a difference for dairy.”

    Soubra previously served as IDFA’s senior vice president of strategic initiatives and chief of staff, overseeing key organizational initiatives and the day-to-day operations of the Executive Office. During her tenure, she worked closely with IDFA colleagues, members and governance leaders to advance the association’s strategic priorities; led program development and execution for major initiatives, including IDFA’s Dairy Forum; and designed and implemented the IDFA People Strategy, a suite of programs focused on leadership, organizational well-being and building the workforce and organizations of the future.

    “IDFA members are among the most innovative leaders in the food and beverage industry, and I am excited to return to an organization and industry that mean so much to me,” said Soubra. “I look forward to working with Michael, the IDFA team and leaders across the dairy industry to strengthen collaboration, support strategic priorities and build the relationships and programs that will move the industry forward.”

    More recently, Soubra served as director of the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon, where she designed and facilitated leadership programming for leaders in government agencies, trade associations and other organizations.  She is an International Coaching Federation Certified Coach and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She received her Professional Certified Coach credential through the International Coaching Federation and her Executive Certificate in Facilitation from Georgetown University.

    A graduate of George Mason University, Soubra earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. Her direct experience as a senior association leader, strategist and executive coach informs her work helping leaders navigate complex organizations, build collaboration and cultivate workplaces where people thrive. — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • Student Ambassadors to Share California Dairy Messages with International Audience

    Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar and Victoria Paolini of Los Banos have been selected to serve as interns for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Julia Basch of Los Angeles and Ellie Dyt of Crows Landing will serve in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the 2026 CMAB International Internship Program.

    Victoria Paolini of Los Banos

    These individuals were chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the California dairy industry, and willingness to travel abroad to learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students with an opportunity to learn about dairy foods and marketing in the international marketplace, with a focus on developing leaders who will serve on dairy industry boards, work in dairy foods processing, or in sales or marketing.

    Over the six-week period, the interns will spend time with the in-country CMAB marketing teams in Thailand and Mexico to gain a better understanding of markets, consumer buying habits, and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “California accounts for approximately 33 percent of total U.S. dairy exports, making international trade critical to the industry’s continued growth. For more than 15 years, the California Milk Advisory Board has partnered with international organizations to build and expand markets for California dairy products. This program is designed to give future industry leaders firsthand insight into international dairy marketing,” said Glenn Millar, Executive Vice President, Strategy and International Markets for the CMAB.

    Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar

    Oliveira is working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is Vice President of the Dairy Club. She is also an intern for the Animal Ag Alliance, and has interned for the World Dairy Expo, Hoard’s Dairyman and the Ag Council of California. Additionally, Oliveira was a State FFA officer and District 4 Dairy Princess during high school. She plans to pursue an M.S. in Agricultural Communications and focus on strategic communication and agricultural policy upon graduation.

    Julia Basch of Los Angeles

    Basch attends University of California, Los Angeles where she is currently working towards her B.S in Public Affairs and Food Studies. She has gained firsthand experience in selling and promoting artisan cheese, as well as working with customers and leading cheese tastings. After graduation she plans to join her family’s business, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. to continue the multigenerational legacy of sustainable dairy farming.

    Dyt is currently working towards her B.S in Agricultural Business with a minor in Dairy Industries at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is involved with the Dairy Club. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA, where she showed dairy cattle and participated in dairy judging. Dyt also served as District 4 Dairy Princess during her senior year of high school. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry and hopes to incorporate this passion into her career.

    Paolini is earning a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is an active member of the Dairy Club. She has also worked on an international research initiative through the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center and has served as a co-director of the Pacific Coast Coalition DBII podcast. She was also very involved in the California Holstein Association.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • David Ahlem, Board Advisor and Former CEO and President of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus of Select Milk Producers, Honored with IDFA Laureate Award

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today 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 chief executive officer 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,” said Ahlem. “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,” said McCloskey. “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).

    A call for nominations for the 2027 IDFA Laureate Award will be released this summer. More information about the award can be found here.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Announces Recent Organizational Promotions

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced a series of strategic promotions that recognize the contributions of four accomplished individuals who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

    Veronique Lagrange Promoted to Executive Director of CDIC
    Veronique’s leadership of the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has connected industry partners, academic institutions, and external stakeholders toward achieving a common goal of advancing product, process, and packaging innovation for California dairy. She has spearheaded efforts to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for California through the Pacific Coast Coalition and was a driving force in its creation. She recognized a gap in training and development, and has organized dozens of short courses, providing training for hundreds of dairy professionals across California and beyond. Veronique and her team have developed product concepts and prototypes and assisted both entrepreneurs and existing processors with formulation assistance to jump-start product innovation.

    Katie Cameron Promoted to Director of Foodservice

    For the past four years, Katie Cameron has served as Senior Manager of Foodservice at the CMAB, where she has supported growth opportunities for California dairy processors and helped strengthen relationships with key distributor and industry partners. Katie evolved the organization’s foodservice distributor tours, adding educational and training elements that have enhanced the attendee experience and deepened processor engagement. She played a central role in advancing foodservice culinary contests and events—creating platforms that raise visibility for Real California dairy and support volume growth. Katie brings a well-rounded background in sales, marketing and research that has helped shape CMAB’s foodservice strategy and broaden its impact across the industry.

    Jarett Margolis Promoted to Director of Business Development

    Jarett has led the Real California Milk Excelerator innovation program for the last seven years, accelerating over 50 start-ups and providing ongoing mentoring to them and numerous other RCM entrepreneurs. With a keen eye towards results and a strong sense of stewardship, he’s led the evolution of the program to one that is focused on commercial results and guided by return to our dairy farmers. He pioneered dairy entrepreneur classes at multiple California universities, a program that has attracted national attention, and importantly invested in the future of our industry in California. A consummate can-do leader, Jarett has led several projects developing business propositions for value-added California dairy products and co-led CMAB’s strategic planning the last two years.

    Maddy Martin Promoted to Senior Analyst

    Over the last six years, Maddy has supported the U.S. and International Business Development teams as a coordinator, providing reliable and diligent support. Her strong analytical capabilities have allowed her to elevate CMAB’s data-driven decision-making, providing valuable insights through comprehensive data analysis, reporting, and the ongoing stewardship of key databases. These efforts have enhanced internal visibility, improved workflow efficiency, and supported strategic planning across departments. Maddy has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Salesforce CRM platform, assisting with organizational onboarding and helping to design and refine custom features tailored to the diverse needs of CMAB’s business development teams.

    “Each of these team members has made a measurable and lasting impact on the California dairy community, and their promotions reflect both their individual accomplishments and the strength of our organization as a whole,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Their leadership has advanced innovation, strengthened key relationships, elevated the visibility of Real California Milk, and positioned us for continued growth. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to the contributions they will continue to make in their new roles as we work together to drive demand for California dairy.”

    California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.