Overview
The next generation of industry leaders is already active and making a difference in the dairy community.
The IDFA Leadership Symposium, presented in partnership with Cornell University, provides a forum for these rising professionals to collaborate with fellow industry change-makers, build their leadership skills, and prepare for the next step in their leadership journey, while exploring trends shaping opportunities and challenges for the dairy sector. As our industry continues to grow, it is more important than ever to create a strong pool of dairy professionals who are prepared to fill senior-level management positions in their companies and in our member organizations.
During this interactive program, attendees will hear from thought provoking speakers and dairy industry experts. Attendees will develop high-level workplace skills that will enhance their leadership abilities and deliver tangible benefits to their organizations.
The IDFA Leadership Symposium is open to all levels of the industry, with a focus on mid-to senior-level executives.
Agenda
| June 12, 2023 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Welcome Reception
|
Taylor Room | |
| June 13, 2023 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 9:30am |
Welcome and Connect
|
Amphitheater | |
| 9:30am - 12:30pm |
Adaptability at Work: Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Workplace Resilience to Promote Positive Change
Now more than ever leaders are being asked to be resilient in the face of change and to lead others through uncertain times. A resilient and adaptable leader frames challenges as learning opportunities, motivates and empowers others by demonstrating positive examples of adaptability and promotes healthy work dynamics through inclusive leadership strategies.
This session will take a deeper look at why creating an inclusive culture and fostering resilience in yourself and others has become a critical leadership skill for success to increase performance and build a more adaptable workforce when rebounding from challenges and changes that impact our sense of belonging at work.
From individual work styles to feeling a sense of belonging where you can be your authentic self at work, we ask participants to take an inside-out view on how they show up as a leader, how they influence others by demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing work demands, and how they can impact the organization in an effort to build a more inclusive workplace.
Their willingness to view how they approach the work—and those performing the work—from various lenses to enhance the organizational culture and advocate for others will aid in the development of new mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets necessary to be effective at cultivating a healthy work environment for all. Speaker: Lisa Csencsits, Director, Human Resource, Leadership and DEI Professional Programs, Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
|
Amphitheater | |
| 12:30pm - 1:30pm |
Networking Lunch
|
Taylor Room | |
| 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
A Case Study in Recalls
In December of 2021 and January of 2022, Dole Fresh Vegetables recalled several kinds of packaged salads over listeria contamination concerns. Participants will learn from a real world example of an outbreak that was very puzzling to identify. Felice Arboisiere of Dole Fresh Vegetables experienced firsthand what it is like to be part of a food safety crisis. She will share her experience and best practices as she walks us through how they were notified, how they came together as an organization to brainstorm on the root cause and ultimately finding it. Learn how this event was industry changing news and how they used the experience to unite as an industry to enhance harvest sanitation and mitigate future risks.Speaker: Felice Arboisiere, Director FSQA Supply Chain North America, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
|
Amphitheater | |
| 2:30pm - 2:45pm |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 2:45pm - 3:45pm |
Media Training: Gain Greater Confidence in Media Messaging & Interviews
The media can work for you or against you in relation to your level of preparedness. Media opportunities require leaders to positively convey messages via the press in both official and unscripted capacities. Over two 1-hour sessions, learn from IDFA’s top communicator and the editor of Dairy Processing magazine how to prepare for proactive and reactive media opportunities, deliver powerful and logical messages, present yourselves and your businesses with confidence and empathy, and stay on-message and in control. Leave this session with a better understanding of how to undertake interviews, corporate news delivery, and crisis communications.
Session 1: Presentation and Q&A Session
Session 2: Mock Interview Sessions: Preparation & Delivery
Speaker: Matt Herrick, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, International Dairy Foods Association Kristen Putch, Managing Editor, Dairy Processing Magazine
|
Amphitheater | |
| 3:45pm - 4:00pm |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 4:00pm - 5:30pm |
Cornell Scavenger Hunt
This engaging and fast-paced teambuilding activity serves to encourage participants to work together and to introduce them to exceptional spaces on the Cornell University campus.
|
Meet at Hercules Statue | |
| 6:30pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
|
Taylor Room | |
| 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Dinner and Fireside Chat with Kevin Ellis
Join us for dinner and a Fireside Chat with Kevin Ellis, chief executive officer at Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. During this open and engaging conversation, hear Kevin’s perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry, fostering leadership, and cultivating the dairy workforce of the next generation.
Speaker: Kevin Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
|
Taylor Room | |
| June 14, 2023 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 10:00am |
Leadership and Promoting Positive Change: An Interactive Conversation
Day 2 will kick off building upon themes explored in the adaptability session on day one. This interactive conversation will provide opportunities for participants to reflect on learnings from the first session on adaptability and resilience and apply to their current role as strategic leaders. The exact content will be informed by the needs of the group.
Speaker: Lisa Csencsits, Director, Human Resource, Leadership and DEI Professional Programs, Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
|
Amphitheater | |
| 10:00am - 10:15am |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 10:15am - 11:15am |
Mock Interview Sessions: Preparation & Delivery
|
Amphitheater | |
| 11:15am - 11:30am |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm |
Dairy Economic Landscape
Join IDFA’s Chief Economist, Mike Brown, for an overview of the dairy economic landscape. He will share his insights and perspectives on the dairy market dynamics for 2023 and beyond. What are the trends that may shape future opportunities and challenges for the dairy sector? Speaker: Mike Brown, Chief Economist, International Dairy Foods Association
|
Amphitheater | |
| 12:30pm - 1:30pm |
Networking Lunch
|
Taylor Room | |
| 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
Hoffman Challenge Course
In this low element challenge course program, participants will engage in a series of group initiatives and challenges--unique exercises that require groups to brainstorm, plan, implement, evaluate, and improvise. The facilitators intentionally select activities that will encourage group members to practice their collaboration and leadership skills. These exercises are physically and mentally engaging, but not physically strenuous. This includes activities like balancing on a platform, walking on ropes or cables, transporting objects and solving puzzles as a group. After each exercise, participants will reflect on their experience and draw out lessons regarding trust, communication, leadership, and high-performance teamwork.
|
Meet in Hotel Lobby | |
| 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
|
Terrace Lounge | |
| June 15, 2023 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 10:15am |
Building Inclusive Cultures and the Leadership Required
Dr. Christopher Metzler, a former professor at Cornell University ILR School, created the first certification in DEI in the nation at Cornell University where he was a faculty member in DEI, Law and related disciplines. After Cornell, he was Senior Associate Dean at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. During this interactive session, Dr. Christopher Metzler will share his perspectives on the unique challenges and opportunities facing leaders today, provide tools for cultivating psychological safety, and the leadership behaviors that foster inclusive and high performing teams. Speaker: Christopher Metzler, Ph.D., International Human Rights Lawyer, DEI and ESG Pioneer
|
Amphitheater | |
| 10:15am - 10:40am |
Leading Dairy Forward
Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, will share his insights and perspectives on the leadership required to navigate the challenges facing our industry, leverage the opportunities for growth, and lead dairy forward. Speaker: Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
|
Amphitheater | |
| 10:40am - 11:00am |
Reflections and Closing Remarks
|
Amphitheater |
Adaptability at Work: Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Workplace Resilience to Promote Positive Change
Lisa Csencsits
Lisa Csencsits, Director for The Scheinman Institute at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of learning and capability development programs in the areas of Human Resources, Leadership Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Ms. Csencsits, as an Organizational Development Practitioner, leverages her experience working with large privately and publicly held companies, as well as her research and educational expertise to provide programs grounded in theory with practical solutions to enhance participant learning and professional development. Ms. Csencsits's expertise includes implementing effective, innovative and sustainable interventions to enhance organizational performance, aligning strategic HR and DEI initiatives with organizational goals, improving leadership effectiveness, developing individual and team capabilities, planning for organizational change and assessing talent needs. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, coaching leaders to meet individual and organizational needs, working alongside company leadership to identify and define the capabilities needed to perform effectively throughout their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational and employee growth. Over the years, Lisa has also been actively involved in partnering to present and publish research in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, as well as consulting organizations on HR practices and team building initiatives. Lisa holds a B.A. In Psychology from Adelphi University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.
A Case Study in Recalls
Felice Arboisiere
Felice Arboisiere is the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supply Chain for North America for Dole Fresh Vegetables. Ms. Arboisiere also has direct responsibility for the Diversified Division of Dole. She joined Dole in 2020 and is responsible for all food safety aspects of the supply chain for DFV as well as quality. Prior to Dole, she was the Corporate Microbiologist / Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager for Taco Bell, managing multiple product categories. Prior to joining the food sector, Felice was a senior microbiologist in the cosmetic industry, where she managed the microbiology department on all new products and did product development work on fermentative bacteria for cosmetic products. Ms. Arboisiere studied microbiology and biology at Arizona State University where she was born and raised.
Media Training: Gain Greater Confidence in Media Messaging & Interviews
Matt Herrick
With more than 20 years of experience navigating consumer, regulatory and legislative issues surrounding food, beverages, agriculture and nutrition, Matt leads IDFA’s public affairs and communications activities, with a particular focus on advancing IDFA’s advocacy priorities and coordinating organizational strategy. Matt brings a results-based approach to organizational positioning, strategic communications, and public affairs strategy and reporting. He has strong relationships with influencers in the philanthropy, food, beverage, agriculture, and global development spaces. For IDFA, Matt is also helping to develop and execute the organization's first social impact strategy. IDFA social impact work will increase awareness about positive nutrition outcomes related to dairy foods and beverages, support the dairy industry’s efforts to address environmental sustainability, and offer research and educational tools to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the food and beverage sector.
Matt most recently served as Director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Biden Administration under Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; prior to USDA, Herrick served as Senior Vice President of Executive and Strategic Communications for IDFA from April 2019 until January 2021. Previously, Matt served as Managing Director, Communications for The Rockefeller Foundation, one of the world’s most renowned institutions with a legacy in public health, global food security and climate resilience. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President with Story Partners public affairs in Washington, D.C., where he founded and managed the agency’s food, nutrition, and trade practice, working with trade associations, food companies, and foundations. He served in the Obama Administration, first as Press Director and spokesperson for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and then as Director of Communications for USDA under Secretary Vilsack. Matt also led communications and media relations for Oxfam America, served as speechwriter and spokesperson for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and worked as a newspaper and magazine reporter. He holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Kristen Putch
Kristen Putch is the managing editor of Dairy Processing, a B2B publication from Sosland Publishing in Kanas City, MO. Kristen joined Sosland Publishing in 2019 as a general editorial project manager before joining the Dairy Processing team in late 2020. She helped lead the launch of the magazine and its corresponding website and other digital elements at the beginning of 2021. Prior to joining Sosland Publishing, Kristen worked as a journalist and communications professional for 10 years, covering a wide range of topics for both print and digital media.
Cornell Scavenger Hunt
Dinner and Fireside Chat with Kevin Ellis
Kevin Ellis
Kevin Ellis comes from a long line of dairy farmers on both sides of his family. Kevin was born and raised on a 300-cow dairy farm in Tully, NY, where his father and brother are still in partnership. Kevin has a degree in Animal Science from Cornell University and a MBA from the University of Rochester Simon School. Kevin has varied work experiences, having been a dairy nutritionist, loan officer and financial consultant. Kevin has been with the dairy farm members of Cayuga Marketing since 2008 where he assisted in the development of a milk processing plant. Kevin was attracted by the visionary farmers of Cayuga Marketing and embraced the challenge to build a business from the ground up. Kevin oversees Cayuga Marketing’s milk marketing endeavors in addition to Cayuga Milk Ingredients, which became fully operational in September of 2014.
Leadership and Promoting Positive Change: An Interactive Conversation
Lisa Csencsits
Lisa Csencsits, Director for The Scheinman Institute at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of learning and capability development programs in the areas of Human Resources, Leadership Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Ms. Csencsits, as an Organizational Development Practitioner, leverages her experience working with large privately and publicly held companies, as well as her research and educational expertise to provide programs grounded in theory with practical solutions to enhance participant learning and professional development. Ms. Csencsits's expertise includes implementing effective, innovative and sustainable interventions to enhance organizational performance, aligning strategic HR and DEI initiatives with organizational goals, improving leadership effectiveness, developing individual and team capabilities, planning for organizational change and assessing talent needs. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, coaching leaders to meet individual and organizational needs, working alongside company leadership to identify and define the capabilities needed to perform effectively throughout their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational and employee growth. Over the years, Lisa has also been actively involved in partnering to present and publish research in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, as well as consulting organizations on HR practices and team building initiatives. Lisa holds a B.A. In Psychology from Adelphi University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.
Matt Herrick
With more than 20 years of experience navigating consumer, regulatory and legislative issues surrounding food, beverages, agriculture and nutrition, Matt leads IDFA’s public affairs and communications activities, with a particular focus on advancing IDFA’s advocacy priorities and coordinating organizational strategy. Matt brings a results-based approach to organizational positioning, strategic communications, and public affairs strategy and reporting. He has strong relationships with influencers in the philanthropy, food, beverage, agriculture, and global development spaces. For IDFA, Matt is also helping to develop and execute the organization's first social impact strategy. IDFA social impact work will increase awareness about positive nutrition outcomes related to dairy foods and beverages, support the dairy industry’s efforts to address environmental sustainability, and offer research and educational tools to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the food and beverage sector.
Matt most recently served as Director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Biden Administration under Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; prior to USDA, Herrick served as Senior Vice President of Executive and Strategic Communications for IDFA from April 2019 until January 2021. Previously, Matt served as Managing Director, Communications for The Rockefeller Foundation, one of the world’s most renowned institutions with a legacy in public health, global food security and climate resilience. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President with Story Partners public affairs in Washington, D.C., where he founded and managed the agency’s food, nutrition, and trade practice, working with trade associations, food companies, and foundations. He served in the Obama Administration, first as Press Director and spokesperson for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and then as Director of Communications for USDA under Secretary Vilsack. Matt also led communications and media relations for Oxfam America, served as speechwriter and spokesperson for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and worked as a newspaper and magazine reporter. He holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Kristen Putch
Kristen Putch is the managing editor of Dairy Processing, a B2B publication from Sosland Publishing in Kanas City, MO. Kristen joined Sosland Publishing in 2019 as a general editorial project manager before joining the Dairy Processing team in late 2020. She helped lead the launch of the magazine and its corresponding website and other digital elements at the beginning of 2021. Prior to joining Sosland Publishing, Kristen worked as a journalist and communications professional for 10 years, covering a wide range of topics for both print and digital media.
Dairy Economic Landscape
Mike Brown
Mike Brown was named Chief Economist for IDFA on Jan. 17, 2023. In that role, Brown leads economic and policy analysis and strategy development related to dairy policy and pricing.
He is a recognized expert on milk pricing policy and has worked for both farmer-owned cooperatives and proprietary businesses, all of which are current IDFA members. Before joining IDFA, Brown led the milk and dairy procurement team for The Kroger Co. as director of dairy supply chain. Prior to Kroger, Brown served as a dairy economist for well-known dairy brands and organizations including Glanbia, Darigold and National All-Jersey, Inc.
As director of dairy economics and policy for Glanbia, he was responsible for market and farm cost analysis, supported Glanbia’s producer risk management programs and company efforts on U.S. dairy and trade policy, along with other industry initiatives. Prior to Glanbia, he was director of membership services for Northwest Dairy Association. From 1993-2001, Brown was general manager of National All-Jersey, Inc, a dairy producer trade association, where he led efforts to expand multiple component pricing through private plant incentives and through federal milk marketing order reform. Brown was raised on small dairy farm in Western, N.Y. and earned his bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech.
Hoffman Challenge Course
Building Inclusive Cultures and the Leadership Required
Dr. Christopher Metzler
Dr. Christopher Metzler is an International Human Rights Lawyer, DEI and ESG pioneer, a well publisher author and lecturer. He is also SVP, Corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The National Urban League.
He read law at Oxford University in The U.K. and Columbia University in New York City. He is a member of The University of Oxford and Kellogg College at Oxford. His Ph.D is in International Legal Philosophy from The University of Aberdeen where he published the precursor to ESG. “The Sword of Damocles: Holding Global Organizations accountable for Human Rights Violations.”
A former professor at Cornell University ILR School He created the first certification in DEI in the nation at Cornell University where he was a faculty member in DEI, Law and related disciplines.
After Cornell, he was Senior Associate Dean at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. At Georgetown, he also launched the Master’s degrees in H.R. and Diversity, Systems Engineering, Real Estate, Sports Industry Management, Emergency and Disaster Management, Technology Management, Urban and Regional Planning and The Executive Diversity Management Certificate.
He was CEO of a global DEI Consulting Practice which provides consulting, strategy, training, deisgn and other services for a variety of organizations and the author of the first ever competencies of a Chief Diversity Officer.
He has served on the faculties of Cornell, Georgetown, Thomas Jefferso n School of Medicine, Bellarmine University, Kings College, The London School of Economnics (LSE) and others. He was a Senior Fellow at The Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine. He served on the faculty of The Jossor Institute in Qatar and an educational advisor for The World Cup 2022. He frequently advises organizations on Board Governance and Compliance, and has served as an expert witness is discrimination cases in State and Federal Courts. He is an expert on ESG and advises global organizations on implementation and rankings in ESG and other governance related efforts. He drafts and edits ESG reports for global organizations.
In conjunction with Moth & Flame and National Urban League, he is redefining education and learning using VR technology.
Dr. Metzler provides strategic, policy and SEM support for global sustainability strategy, ESG reporting and ESG stakeholder engagement.
Leading Dairy Forward
Michael Dykes
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association in January 2017. In this role, he represents members that make most of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts, and dairy-derived ingredients produced in the United States and marketed throughout the world. Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for putting U.S. dairy at the center of health and wellness, innovation, sustainability, a vibrant U.S. economy, a stable and diverse workforce, and leading the world in global dairy exports. Prior to assuming his role at IDFA, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotechnology policy. He led Monsanto's office in Washington, D.C., and served as the company's primary point of contact for elected officials, regulatory authorities, U.S. farm organizations, key industry participants, trade associations, international organizations and embassies. He directed the company's efforts in state and local government affairs, in addition to government affairs in Mexico and Canada. Dykes is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Academy of Practitioners. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC), which provides U.S. trade policy advice to the current presidential administration.
Dykes grew up on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.
Speakers
Felice Arboisiere
Director FSQA Supply Chain North America, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
Felice Arboisiere
Felice Arboisiere is the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supply Chain for North America for Dole Fresh Vegetables. Ms. Arboisiere also has direct responsibility for the Diversified Division of Dole. She joined Dole in 2020 and is responsible for all food safety aspects of the supply chain for DFV as well as quality. Prior to Dole, she was the Corporate Microbiologist / Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager for Taco Bell, managing multiple product categories. Prior to joining the food sector, Felice was a senior microbiologist in the cosmetic industry, where she managed the microbiology department on all new products and did product development work on fermentative bacteria for cosmetic products. Ms. Arboisiere studied microbiology and biology at Arizona State University where she was born and raised.
Mike Brown
Chief Economist
Mike Brown
Mike Brown was named Chief Economist for IDFA on Jan. 17, 2023. In that role, Brown leads economic and policy analysis and strategy development related to dairy policy and pricing.
He is a recognized expert on milk pricing policy and has worked for both farmer-owned cooperatives and proprietary businesses, all of which are current IDFA members. Before joining IDFA, Brown led the milk and dairy procurement team for The Kroger Co. as director of dairy supply chain. Prior to Kroger, Brown served as a dairy economist for well-known dairy brands and organizations including Glanbia, Darigold and National All-Jersey, Inc.
As director of dairy economics and policy for Glanbia, he was responsible for market and farm cost analysis, supported Glanbia’s producer risk management programs and company efforts on U.S. dairy and trade policy, along with other industry initiatives. Prior to Glanbia, he was director of membership services for Northwest Dairy Association. From 1993-2001, Brown was general manager of National All-Jersey, Inc, a dairy producer trade association, where he led efforts to expand multiple component pricing through private plant incentives and through federal milk marketing order reform. Brown was raised on small dairy farm in Western, N.Y. and earned his bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech.
Lisa Csencsits
Director, Human Resource, Leadership and DEI Professional Programs, Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
Lisa Csencsits
Lisa Csencsits, Director for The Scheinman Institute at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of learning and capability development programs in the areas of Human Resources, Leadership Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Ms. Csencsits, as an Organizational Development Practitioner, leverages her experience working with large privately and publicly held companies, as well as her research and educational expertise to provide programs grounded in theory with practical solutions to enhance participant learning and professional development. Ms. Csencsits's expertise includes implementing effective, innovative and sustainable interventions to enhance organizational performance, aligning strategic HR and DEI initiatives with organizational goals, improving leadership effectiveness, developing individual and team capabilities, planning for organizational change and assessing talent needs. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, coaching leaders to meet individual and organizational needs, working alongside company leadership to identify and define the capabilities needed to perform effectively throughout their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational and employee growth. Over the years, Lisa has also been actively involved in partnering to present and publish research in the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, as well as consulting organizations on HR practices and team building initiatives. Lisa holds a B.A. In Psychology from Adelphi University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.
Michael Dykes
President & CEO
Michael Dykes
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association in January 2017. In this role, he represents members that make most of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts, and dairy-derived ingredients produced in the United States and marketed throughout the world. Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for putting U.S. dairy at the center of health and wellness, innovation, sustainability, a vibrant U.S. economy, a stable and diverse workforce, and leading the world in global dairy exports. Prior to assuming his role at IDFA, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotechnology policy. He led Monsanto's office in Washington, D.C., and served as the company's primary point of contact for elected officials, regulatory authorities, U.S. farm organizations, key industry participants, trade associations, international organizations and embassies. He directed the company's efforts in state and local government affairs, in addition to government affairs in Mexico and Canada. Dykes is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Academy of Practitioners. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC), which provides U.S. trade policy advice to the current presidential administration.
Dykes grew up on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.
Kevin Ellis
CEO, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
Kevin Ellis
Kevin Ellis comes from a long line of dairy farmers on both sides of his family. Kevin was born and raised on a 300-cow dairy farm in Tully, NY, where his father and brother are still in partnership. Kevin has a degree in Animal Science from Cornell University and a MBA from the University of Rochester Simon School. Kevin has varied work experiences, having been a dairy nutritionist, loan officer and financial consultant. Kevin has been with the dairy farm members of Cayuga Marketing since 2008 where he assisted in the development of a milk processing plant. Kevin was attracted by the visionary farmers of Cayuga Marketing and embraced the challenge to build a business from the ground up. Kevin oversees Cayuga Marketing’s milk marketing endeavors in addition to Cayuga Milk Ingredients, which became fully operational in September of 2014.
Matt Herrick
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications
Matt Herrick
With more than 20 years of experience navigating consumer, regulatory and legislative issues surrounding food, beverages, agriculture and nutrition, Matt leads IDFA’s public affairs and communications activities, with a particular focus on advancing IDFA’s advocacy priorities and coordinating organizational strategy. Matt brings a results-based approach to organizational positioning, strategic communications, and public affairs strategy and reporting. He has strong relationships with influencers in the philanthropy, food, beverage, agriculture, and global development spaces. For IDFA, Matt is also helping to develop and execute the organization's first social impact strategy. IDFA social impact work will increase awareness about positive nutrition outcomes related to dairy foods and beverages, support the dairy industry’s efforts to address environmental sustainability, and offer research and educational tools to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the food and beverage sector.
Matt most recently served as Director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Biden Administration under Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; prior to USDA, Herrick served as Senior Vice President of Executive and Strategic Communications for IDFA from April 2019 until January 2021. Previously, Matt served as Managing Director, Communications for The Rockefeller Foundation, one of the world’s most renowned institutions with a legacy in public health, global food security and climate resilience. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President with Story Partners public affairs in Washington, D.C., where he founded and managed the agency’s food, nutrition, and trade practice, working with trade associations, food companies, and foundations. He served in the Obama Administration, first as Press Director and spokesperson for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and then as Director of Communications for USDA under Secretary Vilsack. Matt also led communications and media relations for Oxfam America, served as speechwriter and spokesperson for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and worked as a newspaper and magazine reporter. He holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Dr. Christopher Metzler
International Human Rights Lawyer, DEI and ESG Pioneer
Dr. Christopher Metzler
Dr. Christopher Metzler is an International Human Rights Lawyer, DEI and ESG pioneer, a well publisher author and lecturer. He is also SVP, Corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The National Urban League.
He read law at Oxford University in The U.K. and Columbia University in New York City. He is a member of The University of Oxford and Kellogg College at Oxford. His Ph.D is in International Legal Philosophy from The University of Aberdeen where he published the precursor to ESG. “The Sword of Damocles: Holding Global Organizations accountable for Human Rights Violations.”
A former professor at Cornell University ILR School He created the first certification in DEI in the nation at Cornell University where he was a faculty member in DEI, Law and related disciplines.
After Cornell, he was Senior Associate Dean at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. At Georgetown, he also launched the Master’s degrees in H.R. and Diversity, Systems Engineering, Real Estate, Sports Industry Management, Emergency and Disaster Management, Technology Management, Urban and Regional Planning and The Executive Diversity Management Certificate.
He was CEO of a global DEI Consulting Practice which provides consulting, strategy, training, deisgn and other services for a variety of organizations and the author of the first ever competencies of a Chief Diversity Officer.
He has served on the faculties of Cornell, Georgetown, Thomas Jefferso n School of Medicine, Bellarmine University, Kings College, The London School of Economnics (LSE) and others. He was a Senior Fellow at The Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine. He served on the faculty of The Jossor Institute in Qatar and an educational advisor for The World Cup 2022. He frequently advises organizations on Board Governance and Compliance, and has served as an expert witness is discrimination cases in State and Federal Courts. He is an expert on ESG and advises global organizations on implementation and rankings in ESG and other governance related efforts. He drafts and edits ESG reports for global organizations.
In conjunction with Moth & Flame and National Urban League, he is redefining education and learning using VR technology.
Dr. Metzler provides strategic, policy and SEM support for global sustainability strategy, ESG reporting and ESG stakeholder engagement.
Kristen Putch
Managing Editor, Dairy Processing Magazine
Kristen Putch
Kristen Putch is the managing editor of Dairy Processing, a B2B publication from Sosland Publishing in Kanas City, MO. Kristen joined Sosland Publishing in 2019 as a general editorial project manager before joining the Dairy Processing team in late 2020. She helped lead the launch of the magazine and its corresponding website and other digital elements at the beginning of 2021. Prior to joining Sosland Publishing, Kristen worked as a journalist and communications professional for 10 years, covering a wide range of topics for both print and digital media.
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
130 Statler Drive, Ithaca, NY 14853
The IDFA Leadership Symposium will be held at The Statler Hotel at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. You may make your hotel reservations online or directly with the hotel by calling (607) 254-2500. When calling, refer to the IDFA Leadership Symposium to receive the special room rate of $238 per night plus applicable taxes. The deadline to secure a room is May 22, 2023. We have reserved a large block of rooms, but once all the rooms have been booked, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available.
Registration fees for IDFA Leadership Symposium are based on your company's IDFA membership status. For more information about membership, please email membership.idfa.org.
Q: Registration Substitutions
Registration is non-transferable from one company to another; however, substitutions within companies are welcome at any time. Please email registrar@idfa.org if you would like to make a registration substitution.
Q: Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations received in writing will be accepted prior to May 12, 2023 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after May 12, 2023, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your registration fee is non-refundable after May 26, 2023. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org. IDFA reserves the right to cancel all unpaid registrations.
Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-4332 or registrar@idfa.org.
Sponsors
Join the International Dairy Foods Association as we identify, support and empower the next generation of leaders. As a sponsor, your organization will gain visibility and respect among industry peers and showcase your commitment to investing in the next generation and the future of the dairy industry. Each level of sponsorship offers opportunities to build awareness of your brand, promote your products and services and engage with colleagues, industry insiders and potential partners. The setting is interactive, engaging and intimate, providing the perfect opportunity to build relationships across the dairy industry.
Please contact mlembke@idfa.org for more information.