IDFA Names 30 Emerging Dairy Leaders to NextGen Leadership Program Cohort 8

IDFA Names 30 Emerging Dairy Leaders to NextGen Leadership Program Cohort 8

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2026-The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced the 30 professionals selected for Cohort 8 of the NextGen Leadership Program, IDFA's year-long leadership development experience for rising leaders across the dairy industry. The 2026-27 class includes professionals from IDFA member companies representing a broad mix of roles, organizations, dairy industry segments, and geographic regions.

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.

"The dairy industry's continued success depends on developing leaders who can navigate change, drive innovation, and build strong teams," said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. "The professionals selected for Cohort 8 have demonstrated exceptional potential, and we applaud the IDFA member companies that are investing in their growth. Through the NextGen Leadership Program, these emerging leaders will gain new perspectives, strengthen their networks, and develop the skills needed to help lead their organizations and our industry into the future."

Now in its eighth year, the NextGen Leadership Program is tailored for mid- to senior-level professionals who are preparing to advance into executive leadership roles. Participants build practical leadership skills, deepen their understanding of dairy policy and advocacy, and develop lasting relationships with peers from across the industry. The program's alumni network now includes a number of CEOs and dozens of senior executives who remain connected through ongoing peer engagement and IDFA events.

"Leadership is not a destination. It's a continuous commitment to learning, collaboration, and service," said Heather Soubra, IDFA senior vice president, strategic initiatives and industry relations. "The individuals selected for Cohort 8 have already demonstrated a strong record of impact within their organizations. Through NextGen, they will gain new perspectives, challenge themselves in new ways, and strengthen the leadership pipeline that will guide dairy's future growth and success."

The 2026-27 class includes:

• Holly Bode, Senior Corporate Account Manager, Ecolab
• Bridget Doherty, Brand Manager, Innovation, fairlife, LLC
• Sammi Fleckner, Director, Planning & Dairy Analytics, Foremost Farms USA
• Dustin Furney, Director, Procurement, Hudsonville Ice Cream
• Annika Galloway, Director, Sweetened Sales & Communications, Galloway Company
• Marc Granlund, Vice President, Sales, Stanpac Inc.
• Jennifer Harnish, Chief People Officer, Aurora Organic Dairy
• Melissa Holyoke, Executive Director, Food Business Development, Hydrite Chemical Co.
• Tanner Huntley, Director, Procurement, Winona Foods
• Kathleen Irwin, Director, Production, Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC
• Jared Lierman, Director, Engineering & Maintenance, Idaho Milk Products
• Charles Mack, Director, Product Quality & Technical Services, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.
• Jeffrey McNabb, Category Manager, Global Dairy Procurement, Abbott
• Sarah Michalek, Farm Sustainability Manager, Michigan Milk Producers Association
• Benjamin Murphy, Director, Operations - Food Safety & Quality, Grande Cheese Company
• Brandon Nazer, Senior Manager, Operations Finance, Lactalis USA
• Jenny Palan, Strategic Marketing Director, Kerry
• Chris Pearl, Director, Product Quality and Technical Services, Agri-Mark, Inc./Cabot
• Katie Pierce, Business Development Manager, Tetra Pak Inc.
• Micah Purcella, AVP, Quality Assurance, Kemps LLC/DFA Dairy Brands, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
• Benjamin Rager, Vice President, Quality Assurance & Product Development, Galliker Dairy Company
• Faustino Santucci, Director of Category Planning & Development, Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative
• Aron Schilsky, Senior Procurement Manager - Operations, Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
• Polina Surina, Senior Procurement Manager - Operations, Mars Wrigley
• Victoria Val-Aguilar, Vice President, Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Saputo USA
• Tagen Vaughn, Vice President - Legal and Compliance, Sargento
• Chase Vondrak, Manager, Dairy Commodity Risk, Wells Enterprises, Inc.
• Tyler Wookey, Director, FP&A and Treasury, Hilmar
• Matthew Wulf, Partner, Riverview LLP
• Anson Yang, Global Account Director, Fonterra (USA) Inc.

Learn more about the NextGen Leadership Program here.

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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 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.