Overview
Spots are limited for the IDFA Leadership Symposium.
We encourage interested participants to register early to secure their space.
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 13, 2022 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Welcome Reception
|
Taylor Room | |
| June 14, 2022 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 9:10am |
Introductions and Connection
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
Speaker: Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
|
|||
| 9:10am - 9:30am |
Welcome Address
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
| 9:30am - 12:30pm |
Leadership Skills for Success
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
The Leadership Skills for Success session is a 3-hour facilitated discussion focusing on core skills needed for rising leaders in today’s dairy processing industry. The program will provide opportunities for self-reflection, practical application and a forum for sharing experiences and feedback to foster learning while advancing oneself as a leader.
Our goal will be to increase understanding of what skills are necessary to effectively influence/change/enhance the way in which work is performed throughout the dairy industry whilst engaging participants in activities that encourages them to adapt how they approach their role as a strategic leader. Ultimately, we are asking participants to take an inside-out view on how they show up as a leader, how they influence others and how they impact the organization.
Their willingness to adapt how they view and approach the work—and those performing the work—will aid in the development of new mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets necessary to be effective while being realistic about where they are today. This newfound agility allows for fluidity of adaption to inspire them to look boldly into the future.
Examples of topics to be discussed: • Setting and communicating one’s intentions and vision • Ensuring messages are heard and understood • Aligning and motivating others to embrace change • Delivering difficult messages in uncertain times Speaker: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute |
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| 12:30pm - 1:30pm |
Networking Lunch
|
Taylor Room | |
| 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
General Session: Megatrends Impacting the Dairy Sector in the mid-21st Century
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
We will look at some of the meta trends that may shape future opportunities and challenges for the dairy sector.
Speaker: Andrew Novakovic, Ph.D., E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus, Cornell University
|
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| 2:30pm - 2:45pm |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 2:45pm - 3:45pm |
General Session: Tradeoff Decision Making for Leaders
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
As leaders advance within organizations, fewer decisions have clear-cut answers that can be made based on technical information alone. This session will help today's emerging leaders be prepared to navigate this "grey area" of decision-making. We will discuss how to identify, communicate, and evaluate the trade-offs associated with key decisions modern dairy companies have to make, focusing on sustainability, food safety, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity. We will also discuss the importance of trade-off decision-making for selecting and implementing enterprise risk management strategies that are appropriate for a given firm. Speaker: Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D., Gellert Family Professor of Food Safety, Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University
|
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| 3:45pm - 4:00pm |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Cornell Dairy Plant Tour
|
Stocking Hall | |
|
The Cornell Dairy Plant is a state-of-the art dairy processing facility right in the heart of Cornell University’s campus. The facility is IMS rated, licensed by NYS Ag & Markets, and Kosher certified. The plant is 4,760 sq ft with additional climate-controlled storage space for a total of 14,896 sq ft. Production capabilities include fluid milk, ice cream, yogurt, and butter processing. The milk utilized by the Cornell Dairy Plant is sourced from the Cornell Dairy Farm.
In addition to producing products for Cornell and other campuses, the plant is designed to support dairy extension efforts by providing a hands-on training facility to more than 200 industry professionals and students during an average year. Specific trainings that take place in the Dairy Plant include Dairy Science and Sanitation, Fluid Milk Processing for Quality and Safety, HTST, and Vat Pasteurizer.
|
|||
| 6:30pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
|
Taylor Room | |
| 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Dinner with Industry Thought Leader
|
Taylor Room | |
| June 15, 2022 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 9:15am |
Leaders Connect
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
Speaker: Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching |
|||
| 9:15am - 10:15am |
General Session: United By Dairy. Powered by People.
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
The future of the dairy industry and our ability to remain globally competitive depends on how we develop the workforce of the future, cultivate the next generation of leaders, and empower and support diversity in leadership roles. Hear from the leaders in this space how dairy companies are building inclusive cultures, empowering industry collaboration, and cultivating a workforce that looks like, and is reflective of, the communities and consumers we serve. Moderator: Colin Newman, Chief of Staff, Internaional Dairy Foods AssociationSpeakers: Bill Beaton, President & CEO, Argi-Mark Inc./Cabot Dave Coble, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Schreiber Foods Inc. Robin Kane, Chief People Officer, Aurora Organic Dairy
|
|||
| 10:15am - 10:30am |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 10:30am - 11:30am |
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
This interactive workshop will build upon the Leadership Skills for Success session on day one providing opportunities for participants to take the skills they learned in the first session and apply to their current role as strategic leader. The topics for this workshop will be informed by the needs of the group.
Speakers: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching |
|||
| 10:30am - 11:30am |
Deep Dive Session: Supply Chain Disruption
|
Terrace Lounge | |
|
Speaker: Vishal Gaur, Emerson Professor of Manufacturing Management, Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
|
|||
| 11:30am - 11:45am |
Networking Break
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm |
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
This interactive workshop will build upon the Leadership Skills for Success session on day one providing opportunities for participants to take the skills they learned in the first session and apply to their current role as strategic leader. The topics for this workshop will be informed by the needs of the group.
Speakers: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching |
|||
| 11:45am - 12:45pm |
Deep Dive Session: The Competitive Advantage of ESG
|
Terrace Lounge | |
|
Moderator: Matt Herrick, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, International Dairy Foods Association Speaker: John Dardis, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Glanbia Nutritionals |
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| 12:45pm - 1:45pm |
Networking Lunch
|
Taylor Room | |
| 1:45pm - 2:00pm |
Networking Break
|
||
| 2:00pm - 6:30pm |
Field Trip: Tour of Hemdale Farms (Seneca Castle, NY)
|
Hemdale Farms (Seneca Castle, NY) | |
|
Hemdale Farms | Robotic Milking:
Watch Video
In 1947 Ralph Hemminger returned from Germany after WWII, married his sweetheart, Elsie Koek and took over a rundown 15 cow dairy “tenant/share” farm. With ambition, integrity, and a mindset “to treat others as they wished to be treated” they prospered and were able to purchase a farm of their own on County Rd 4, east of Seneca Castle, NY. This 28-cow dairy farm became successful and seven years later Ralph purchased the “Noble” Farm north of Seneca Castle, moved the dairy, and expanded to 100 cows and into vegetable production. In 1977 the farm was established with the name “Hemdale” using their 1-year-old son’s name, Dale.
Over the years more land has been rented or purchased as other farmers retired. The dairy has grown to stay viable and vegetable production has evolved. Today the 3rd generation leads a high energy dedicated team that works together to run a multi-enterprise business. Operations include a high production robotic dairy, and a growing operation for quality grains, forages, and vegetables (primarily cabbage, as well as a greenhouse facility that grows plug plants for their own use and 20 other vegetable farms).
Hemdale's focus is on synergies between productive enterprises, modern technology, and land and cattle stewardship. Running the business with integrity, and under the same motto Ralph and Elsie aspired to, has made Hemdale a leader in environmentally sound agricultural production.
|
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| 6:30pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
|
Pennsylvania Room | |
| June 16, 2022 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
Conference Foyer | |
| 9:00am - 10:00am |
General Session: The Power of Leadership in Dairy
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
|
A distinguished panel of dairy leaders will provide their insights and perspectives on leading dairy forward, the implications of the workforce challenges, and how we prepare for a new generation of leadership. Leaders will discuss aspects of their roles they find to be most challenging, most satisfying, and also most important as leaders in our industry.
Moderator: Michael Dykes, D.V.M. , President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association Speakers: Amie Gabriel, Interim CEO, Cayuga Milk Ingredients Bob Huffman, President and CEO, First District Association Yin Woon Rani, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) Brian Perry, Executive Vice President & Chairman, Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc. |
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| 10:00am - 10:30am |
Closing Remarks
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
Introductions and Connection
Heather Soubra, ACC
Heather Soubra is wildly optimistic that all people can love what they do and do what they love. Her coaching empowers professionals who want to develop their leadership skills, unlock their own inner wisdom, and step into the best possible version of themselves. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.
Heather is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their highest potential. She brings out the leader within; a leader with confidence to navigate any challenge. Heather believes the magic happens when individuals access their own inner wisdom through a process of contemplating powerful questions and getting curious about themselves. Senior executive leaders have reported that Heather has helped them to build confidence and trust in their own internal guidance system. She is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people thrive, creating their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication.
As leadership coach, and lead coaching coordinator for program development at one of the nation's leading financial institutions, Heather works alongside executives to identify their professional priorities and align them with business objectives, both immediate and long-term. She designs and develops individual and group coaching programs that serve as a catalyst for growth and awareness, working to ensure that individuals are empowered, finding breakthroughs in their work and lives, which positively impact performance at their jobs, and beyond.
Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Heather conceptualized, designed, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy. With it, she designed and created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations of the future.
Most recently, she has joined the team at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate and lead workshops and trainings to incorporate George Washington's approach to leadership strategy into tangible leadership practices for today's leaders with tools and resources that can be used right away. She has experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in a complex organization. Heather also has vast experience leading governance structures, developing programs, and executing within global organizations at the most senior levels.
A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF.) She is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington where she earned certification in corporate etiquette and international protocol.
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.
Leadership Skills for Success
Examples of topics to be discussed:
• Setting and communicating one’s intentions and vision
• Ensuring messages are heard and understood
• Aligning and motivating others to embrace change
• Delivering difficult messages in uncertain times
Speaker: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at 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.
General Session: Megatrends Impacting the Dairy Sector in the mid-21st Century
Andrew Novakovic, Ph.D.
Andrew Novakovic is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. His interests and expertise are in understanding the economics of agricultural and food product markets, with a particular focus on dairy foods. This includes the economics of market coordination and pricing, the operation of food processing and marketing firms, and the economic regulation of marketing and pricing activities.
He continues to be involved in research, extension and teaching activities related to his areas of expertise.
General Session: Tradeoff Decision Making for Leaders
Martin Wiedmann Ph.D.
Expertise
Microbial food safety; microbial food spoilage; Listeria monocytogenes; genomics and transcriptomics of food associated microbes
Current Research Interest
Whole genome sequencing tools development for characterization of foodborne pathogens; modeling approaches to control dairy and produce spoilage; sources, transmission, and control of sporeforming spoilage organisms and pathogens in the dairy supply chain; sources, transmission, and control of foodborne pathogens in produce; characterization of virulence in different salmonella serotypes; persistence and transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in food associated environments; understanding stress response mechanisms in Listeria monocytogenes
Cornell Dairy Plant Tour
Hamdi Ulukaya
Hamdi Ulukaya is founder and CEO of Chobani, one of the fastest growing food companies in the last decade and a pioneer for the natural food movement.
Raised in a dairy-farming family in a small village in eastern Turkey, Ulukaya launched Chobani in 2007 with the mission of making better food more accessible. In less than five years, Chobani became the No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand in the U.S. with more than a billion dollars in annual sales. Chobani has been named to Fortune’s ‘Change the World’ list of companies, was recently honored with a Salute to Greatness Award by The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and named one of the ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality’ by the Human Rights Campaign.
Ulukaya has always made helping people and having a positive impact on communities a priority for Chobani. From the beginning, the company has donated a portion of its profits to charitable causes, many of them in Idaho and New York where its products are made. A champion of reducing income and wealth inequality nationwide, Ulukaya advocated in support of a proposal to increase the minimum wage in New York that ultimately became law. In addition, Ulukaya implemented a groundbreaking profit-sharing program for the company’s 2,000 employees. He also took the rare step in manufacturing of instituting a six week, fully paid parental leave program for all of the company’s mothers and fathers.
In 2016, Ulukaya launched the Chobani Food Incubator to mentor and support socially responsible food entrepreneurs and further deliver on the company’s mission to provide better food for more people.
A devoted humanitarian, Ulukaya founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees to mobilize the private sector to improve the lives & livelihoods of the more than 25 million refugees around the globe. He also signed the Giving Pledge and committed the majority of his personal wealth to the cause. For these efforts, he was named an Eminent Advocate by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award, among other recognitions. Ulukaya is also a recipient of the Oslo Business for Peace Award and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work on the refugee crisis and his innovative approach to business.
Ulukaya sits on the board of the Pathfinder Village and The American Turkish Council. Most recently, Ulukaya became a member of the B Team, a collective of global leaders working to inspire dialogue and business action for a fairer, greener and more human economy. A big fan of independent films and the Turkish soccer team Fenerbahce, Ulukaya lives in New Berlin, N.Y.
Leaders Connect
Speaker: Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
Heather Soubra, ACC
Heather Soubra is wildly optimistic that all people can love what they do and do what they love. Her coaching empowers professionals who want to develop their leadership skills, unlock their own inner wisdom, and step into the best possible version of themselves. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.
Heather is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their highest potential. She brings out the leader within; a leader with confidence to navigate any challenge. Heather believes the magic happens when individuals access their own inner wisdom through a process of contemplating powerful questions and getting curious about themselves. Senior executive leaders have reported that Heather has helped them to build confidence and trust in their own internal guidance system. She is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people thrive, creating their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication.
As leadership coach, and lead coaching coordinator for program development at one of the nation's leading financial institutions, Heather works alongside executives to identify their professional priorities and align them with business objectives, both immediate and long-term. She designs and develops individual and group coaching programs that serve as a catalyst for growth and awareness, working to ensure that individuals are empowered, finding breakthroughs in their work and lives, which positively impact performance at their jobs, and beyond.
Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Heather conceptualized, designed, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy. With it, she designed and created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations of the future.
Most recently, she has joined the team at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate and lead workshops and trainings to incorporate George Washington's approach to leadership strategy into tangible leadership practices for today's leaders with tools and resources that can be used right away. She has experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in a complex organization. Heather also has vast experience leading governance structures, developing programs, and executing within global organizations at the most senior levels.
A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF.) She is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington where she earned certification in corporate etiquette and international protocol.
General Session: United By Dairy. Powered by People.
Bill Beaton
William “Bill” Beaton was promoted into the role of Agri-Mark’s Chief Executive Officer effective June 1, 2020. Having joined Agri-Mark 11 years ago as the Senior Vice President Human Resources, Bill has worked from the company’s Andover, Massachusetts corporate office.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Bill began his career in the Natural Gas Distribution industry holding various management positions in the Finance/Accounting, Customer Operations, and Human Resources, functions, including many years as VP of Human Resources and Customer Operations Services.
After 18 years in the Natural Gas Industry, Bill joined Genesys Inc., a High-Tech communications company, and spent 10 years as VP Human Resources. Developing the business from a local, to national, and eventually an International company, Bill has led high performance teams world-wide. Genesys developed into the largest independent conferencing company in the world during his tenure at the company. Strategic initiatives and planning, building efficiencies, teamwork, standardization and profitability have been key tenets of Bill’s contribution to these highly successful companies.
At Agri-Mark, Bill has led the development of an integrated and effective Human Resources team while implementing programs and initiatives designed to support the strategic goals of the company, increase the knowledge and effectiveness of staff, while driving cultural change in an ever-changing dairy environment.
Bill and his wife, Kelly, reside in Massachusetts and have four grown children and two grandchildren. Bill has been active in local youth sports leagues both as a board member and coach, is an avid skier, and enjoys golf, tennis, hiking, biking and paddling.
Robin Kane
Robin joined Aurora Organic Dairy in 2019 and leads the Company’s Human Resources, which includes employee programs and benefits, recruiting, training and culture.
Robin’s extensive HR leadership experience spans more than 25 years across various global organizations, including organic dairy, manufacturing, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, computer software & hardware, and public education. She has led large-impact organizational changes and has developed global leadership practices in Europe, Mexico, Canada and South America. Robin’s expertise includes benefits and compensation management, employee engagement, talent acquisition, leadership training and organizational change.
In addition to her role as Senior Vice President of People at Aurora Organic Dairy, Robin teaches human capital management in the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver, and holds various senior HR certifications. She earned her MBA from the University of Colorado – Denver, a Master of Science Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dave Coble
Dave Coble is Senior Vice President of Human Resource Systems and Strategy. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ohio University and his MBA in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management from Ohio State University. He also served in the Air National Guard.
He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. In the community, Dave is involved with CASA of Brown County, serving as a member of the corporate board and advisory council. Dave and his wife, Chris, live in the Green Bay area in Wisconsin. They have three children. Away from work, Dave enjoys biking, running, skiing (downhill and cross country), golfing, and reading military books and biographies.
Colin Newman
Colin Newman serves as IDFA’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff where he directs the organization’s key initiatives and leads day-to-day operations of the executive office. In this role, Newman executes on the strategic priorities of President and CEO, Michael Dykes, D.V.M and serves as strategist and consultant, facilitating collaboration and inclusiveness across the association to achieve organizational goals.
Newman is the executive office’s liaison with IDFA members and members of the IDFA Executive Council and Industry Segment Boards. He also leads the association’s Political Action Committee (IDFA PAC) and all grassroots political activities. These activities include strategic fly-ins, legislative fly-outs, Congressional facility tours, IDFA’s annual leadership awards and other special events.
Newman designed, implemented, and leads the IDFA NextGen Leadership Program, a signature program of the IDFA People Strategy. The NextGen Leadership Program supports, guides, and prepares mid-senior level dairy industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
Newman joined IDFA in 2017 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he served as manager for corporate relations. Before that, he worked at Morgan Meredith & Associates, a fundraising firm on Capitol Hill, where he fundraised for members of Congress, PACs and nonprofits. Newman also led a grassroots effort as a field director for Senator Mitt Romney during Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Newman earned a bachelor’s degree in management at Gettysburg College.
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
Speakers: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
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.
Heather Soubra, ACC
Heather Soubra is wildly optimistic that all people can love what they do and do what they love. Her coaching empowers professionals who want to develop their leadership skills, unlock their own inner wisdom, and step into the best possible version of themselves. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.
Heather is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their highest potential. She brings out the leader within; a leader with confidence to navigate any challenge. Heather believes the magic happens when individuals access their own inner wisdom through a process of contemplating powerful questions and getting curious about themselves. Senior executive leaders have reported that Heather has helped them to build confidence and trust in their own internal guidance system. She is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people thrive, creating their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication.
As leadership coach, and lead coaching coordinator for program development at one of the nation's leading financial institutions, Heather works alongside executives to identify their professional priorities and align them with business objectives, both immediate and long-term. She designs and develops individual and group coaching programs that serve as a catalyst for growth and awareness, working to ensure that individuals are empowered, finding breakthroughs in their work and lives, which positively impact performance at their jobs, and beyond.
Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Heather conceptualized, designed, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy. With it, she designed and created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations of the future.
Most recently, she has joined the team at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate and lead workshops and trainings to incorporate George Washington's approach to leadership strategy into tangible leadership practices for today's leaders with tools and resources that can be used right away. She has experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in a complex organization. Heather also has vast experience leading governance structures, developing programs, and executing within global organizations at the most senior levels.
A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF.) She is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington where she earned certification in corporate etiquette and international protocol.
Deep Dive Session: Supply Chain Disruption
Vishal Gaur
Professor Vishal Gaur is Emerson Professor of Manufacturing Management, and professor of operations, technology and information management at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. His research interests lie in data-driven modeling, econometric analysis, and optimization of operations management problems with applications in supply chains, retailing, and e-Commerce. His current research projects deal with online marketplace operations, reduction of food waste, supply chain risk, and linking operations with financial performance of firms.
Prof. Gaur serves as the program director for Johnson's MS in Business Analytics program and previously served as associate dean of MBA programs during 2014-2019. He also served as a department editor for the Operations Management department of Management Science during 2014-2021. He teaches graduate courses in operations management, digital business and retail operations, and data analysis in SQL and Tableau. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching: the Cornell-Tsinghua Dual Degree MBA Gravitas Award in 2021; the Stephen Russell Distinguished Teaching Award in 2020; the Johnson Core Faculty Award by the graduating classes of 2015, 2012, and 2008; the Johnson Cornell Tech Core Faculty Award by the graduating class of 2017; the Wickham Skinner Early Career Research Accomplishments Award by the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) in 2006; and honorable mention in the George B. Dantzig Dissertation Award Competition in 2001. Prof. Gaur received his PhD from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and his BTech in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Before joining Johnson, he was an assistant professor at the NYU Stern School of Business during 2001-07 and a visiting associate professor at Harvard Business School during 2007-08.
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
Speakers: Lisa Csencsits, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
Heather Soubra, ACC, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
Heather Soubra, ACC
Heather Soubra is wildly optimistic that all people can love what they do and do what they love. Her coaching empowers professionals who want to develop their leadership skills, unlock their own inner wisdom, and step into the best possible version of themselves. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.
Heather is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their highest potential. She brings out the leader within; a leader with confidence to navigate any challenge. Heather believes the magic happens when individuals access their own inner wisdom through a process of contemplating powerful questions and getting curious about themselves. Senior executive leaders have reported that Heather has helped them to build confidence and trust in their own internal guidance system. She is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people thrive, creating their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication.
As leadership coach, and lead coaching coordinator for program development at one of the nation's leading financial institutions, Heather works alongside executives to identify their professional priorities and align them with business objectives, both immediate and long-term. She designs and develops individual and group coaching programs that serve as a catalyst for growth and awareness, working to ensure that individuals are empowered, finding breakthroughs in their work and lives, which positively impact performance at their jobs, and beyond.
Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Heather conceptualized, designed, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy. With it, she designed and created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations of the future.
Most recently, she has joined the team at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate and lead workshops and trainings to incorporate George Washington's approach to leadership strategy into tangible leadership practices for today's leaders with tools and resources that can be used right away. She has experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in a complex organization. Heather also has vast experience leading governance structures, developing programs, and executing within global organizations at the most senior levels.
A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF.) She is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington where she earned certification in corporate etiquette and international protocol.
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.
Deep Dive Session: The Competitive Advantage of ESG
Moderator: Matt Herrick, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, International Dairy Foods Association
Speaker: John Dardis, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Glanbia Nutritionals
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.
John Dardis, Ph.D.
Dr. John Dardis is Senior Vice President for Policy & Sustainability with Glanbia, a global nutrition company. Based in Illinois, John oversees Glanbia’s public policy and sustainability agenda providing strategic leadership across a diverse range of businesses that are part of Glanbia’s growing footprint in the United States. He represents Glanbia on a range of industry organizations including serving as a board member of the US Dairy Export Council.
John previously served as Ireland’s First Secretary for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the Irish Embassy in Washington DC where he managed Irish agri food trade interests including involvement in the TTIP negotiations. John holds an honors degree in agricultural science from University College Dublin, and a Ph.D. in wheat breeding from UCD. He worked at NC State University as a visiting scientist. John is a 4th generation farmer with a farm in County Kildare, Ireland.
Field Trip: Tour of Hemdale Farms (Seneca Castle, NY)
General Session: The Power of Leadership in Dairy
Moderator: Michael Dykes, D.V.M. , President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
Speakers: Amie Gabriel, Interim CEO, Cayuga Milk Ingredients
Bob Huffman, President and CEO, First District Association
Yin Woon Rani, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)
Brian Perry, Executive Vice President & Chairman, Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc.
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.
Bob Huffman
Along with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Evangel University, Robert Huffman has 13 years of progressive dairy industry operations management experience—both large single plant and multi-plant. He has experience in all aspects of milk intake, block and barrel cheese and whey operations. Huffman has invested a lot of his time learning the technical side of dairy processing which ultimately brought him to Dairy Farmers of America where he progressed quickly to become Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for multiple plants across the U.S.
Yin Woon Rani
Rani brings nearly 25 years of integrated marketing experience across CPG companies and marketing agencies to MilkPEP. As CEO, she is excited to address the challenges ahead with thoughtful, sustained solutions and looks forward to working with the entire industry to help ensure a positive impact.
Prior to joining MilkPEP, Rani was VP, Chief Customer Experience Officer for the Campbell Soup Company, where she was instrumental in modernizing the company’s marketing across content, media, design, martech and digital – as well as improving the business trajectory for important core brands and new launches. Before joining Campbell Soup, Rani was president, North America of Universal McCann, the largest operating unit within IPG’s Mediabrands group.
Rani earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from the Stern School of Business, New York University. She is active and respected within the marketing industry, earning recognition from a range of industry awards, both as a marketer and as an advocate for diversity – including YWCA’s Women of Year, SheRunsIt “Working Mother of the Year,” Brand Innovators Top 50 Women in Marketing, Path to Purchase Institute “Who’s Who in Shopper Marketing,” among others.
Brian Perry
Favorite Flavor: Mint-Ting-A-Ling (Mint Chocolate Chip)
Brian Perry is a fourth-generation member of this 100-year-old family business started by his great grandfather, H. Morton Perry. Brian brings a wealth of operational experience, company heritage, and industry relations expertise as executive vice president. Brian serves as liaison to the industry and community, and provides governmental representation for the company.
His 35+ years of experience, numerous contacts, and an understanding of how to get things done make him the company’s “go-to guy”.
Brian holds an AAS from Alfred State College and a BS in Business Administration from Canisius College.
Brian most recently served as the Chairman for the International Ice Cream Association along with several other IICA and IDFA positions. In January 2013, Brian was presented with the 2013 Soaring Eagle Award, the same award presented to his father, Tom, in 1999. The award recognizes the extraordinary service of leaders in the dairy industry and those who have provided exemplary leadership to the IDFA. He is also a firm believer in giving back to the community and volunteers his time to organizations such as the Akron Lions Club, the Village of Akron Planning Board, and to the Akron Central School Pathways Program. He was also instrumental in bringing Junior Achievement courses and the Family Services Center to the Akron Central School.
Brian had a vision to start a local Industrial Refrigeration school in Western New York and with the help of former Senator Mary Lou Rath and William Mariani, past President of Erie Community College, the first classes began January 2005. In 2008, he worked with the New York State Thruway Authority and State Representatives to pass a bill allowing tractor trailer doubles to exit off the I-90 at Pembroke. Brian, Jayne, and their daughter Jenna, enjoy helping in the community and taking family excursions together.
Amie Gabriel
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.
All Times Eastern
Speakers
Bill Beaton
President & CEO, Argi-Mark Inc. / Cabot
Bill Beaton
William “Bill” Beaton was promoted into the role of Agri-Mark’s Chief Executive Officer effective June 1, 2020. Having joined Agri-Mark 11 years ago as the Senior Vice President Human Resources, Bill has worked from the company’s Andover, Massachusetts corporate office.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Bill began his career in the Natural Gas Distribution industry holding various management positions in the Finance/Accounting, Customer Operations, and Human Resources, functions, including many years as VP of Human Resources and Customer Operations Services.
After 18 years in the Natural Gas Industry, Bill joined Genesys Inc., a High-Tech communications company, and spent 10 years as VP Human Resources. Developing the business from a local, to national, and eventually an International company, Bill has led high performance teams world-wide. Genesys developed into the largest independent conferencing company in the world during his tenure at the company. Strategic initiatives and planning, building efficiencies, teamwork, standardization and profitability have been key tenets of Bill’s contribution to these highly successful companies.
At Agri-Mark, Bill has led the development of an integrated and effective Human Resources team while implementing programs and initiatives designed to support the strategic goals of the company, increase the knowledge and effectiveness of staff, while driving cultural change in an ever-changing dairy environment.
Bill and his wife, Kelly, reside in Massachusetts and have four grown children and two grandchildren. Bill has been active in local youth sports leagues both as a board member and coach, is an avid skier, and enjoys golf, tennis, hiking, biking and paddling.
Dave Coble
Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Schreiber Foods Inc.
Dave Coble
Dave Coble is Senior Vice President of Human Resource Systems and Strategy. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ohio University and his MBA in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management from Ohio State University. He also served in the Air National Guard.
He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. In the community, Dave is involved with CASA of Brown County, serving as a member of the corporate board and advisory council. Dave and his wife, Chris, live in the Green Bay area in Wisconsin. They have three children. Away from work, Dave enjoys biking, running, skiing (downhill and cross country), golfing, and reading military books and biographies.
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.
John Dardis, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Glanbia Nutritionals
John Dardis, Ph.D.
Dr. John Dardis is Senior Vice President for Policy & Sustainability with Glanbia, a global nutrition company. Based in Illinois, John oversees Glanbia’s public policy and sustainability agenda providing strategic leadership across a diverse range of businesses that are part of Glanbia’s growing footprint in the United States. He represents Glanbia on a range of industry organizations including serving as a board member of the US Dairy Export Council.
John previously served as Ireland’s First Secretary for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the Irish Embassy in Washington DC where he managed Irish agri food trade interests including involvement in the TTIP negotiations. John holds an honors degree in agricultural science from University College Dublin, and a Ph.D. in wheat breeding from UCD. He worked at NC State University as a visiting scientist. John is a 4th generation farmer with a farm in County Kildare, Ireland.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M.
President & CEO | International Dairy Foods Association
Michael Dykes, D.V.M.
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 more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for the importance of global competitiveness to the future of the U.S. dairy industry. He has made preserving trade partnerships with Mexico and improving Canadian market access for U.S. dairy exports in all future trade agreements a priority for IDFA. 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 has served on the Farmhouse Fraternity board for 3+ years. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and has served on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).
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.
Amie Gabriel
Interim CEO, Cayuga Milk Ingredients
Amie Gabriel
Vishal Gaur
Emerson Professor of Manufacturing Management, Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
Vishal Gaur
Professor Vishal Gaur is Emerson Professor of Manufacturing Management, and professor of operations, technology and information management at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. His research interests lie in data-driven modeling, econometric analysis, and optimization of operations management problems with applications in supply chains, retailing, and e-Commerce. His current research projects deal with online marketplace operations, reduction of food waste, supply chain risk, and linking operations with financial performance of firms.
Prof. Gaur serves as the program director for Johnson's MS in Business Analytics program and previously served as associate dean of MBA programs during 2014-2019. He also served as a department editor for the Operations Management department of Management Science during 2014-2021. He teaches graduate courses in operations management, digital business and retail operations, and data analysis in SQL and Tableau. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching: the Cornell-Tsinghua Dual Degree MBA Gravitas Award in 2021; the Stephen Russell Distinguished Teaching Award in 2020; the Johnson Core Faculty Award by the graduating classes of 2015, 2012, and 2008; the Johnson Cornell Tech Core Faculty Award by the graduating class of 2017; the Wickham Skinner Early Career Research Accomplishments Award by the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) in 2006; and honorable mention in the George B. Dantzig Dissertation Award Competition in 2001. Prof. Gaur received his PhD from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and his BTech in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Before joining Johnson, he was an assistant professor at the NYU Stern School of Business during 2001-07 and a visiting associate professor at Harvard Business School during 2007-08.
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.
Bob Huffman
President and CEO, First District Association
Bob Huffman
Along with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Evangel University, Robert Huffman has 13 years of progressive dairy industry operations management experience—both large single plant and multi-plant. He has experience in all aspects of milk intake, block and barrel cheese and whey operations. Huffman has invested a lot of his time learning the technical side of dairy processing which ultimately brought him to Dairy Farmers of America where he progressed quickly to become Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for multiple plants across the U.S.
Robin Kane
Chief People Officer, Aurora Organic Dairy
Robin Kane
Robin joined Aurora Organic Dairy in 2019 and leads the Company’s Human Resources, which includes employee programs and benefits, recruiting, training and culture.
Robin’s extensive HR leadership experience spans more than 25 years across various global organizations, including organic dairy, manufacturing, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, computer software & hardware, and public education. She has led large-impact organizational changes and has developed global leadership practices in Europe, Mexico, Canada and South America. Robin’s expertise includes benefits and compensation management, employee engagement, talent acquisition, leadership training and organizational change.
In addition to her role as Senior Vice President of People at Aurora Organic Dairy, Robin teaches human capital management in the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver, and holds various senior HR certifications. She earned her MBA from the University of Colorado – Denver, a Master of Science Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French from the University of Pennsylvania.
Colin Newman
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff
Colin Newman
Colin Newman serves as IDFA’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff where he directs the organization’s key initiatives and leads day-to-day operations of the executive office. In this role, Newman executes on the strategic priorities of President and CEO, Michael Dykes, D.V.M and serves as strategist and consultant, facilitating collaboration and inclusiveness across the association to achieve organizational goals.
Newman is the executive office’s liaison with IDFA members and members of the IDFA Executive Council and Industry Segment Boards. He also leads the association’s Political Action Committee (IDFA PAC) and all grassroots political activities. These activities include strategic fly-ins, legislative fly-outs, Congressional facility tours, IDFA’s annual leadership awards and other special events.
Newman designed, implemented, and leads the IDFA NextGen Leadership Program, a signature program of the IDFA People Strategy. The NextGen Leadership Program supports, guides, and prepares mid-senior level dairy industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
Newman joined IDFA in 2017 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he served as manager for corporate relations. Before that, he worked at Morgan Meredith & Associates, a fundraising firm on Capitol Hill, where he fundraised for members of Congress, PACs and nonprofits. Newman also led a grassroots effort as a field director for Senator Mitt Romney during Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Newman earned a bachelor’s degree in management at Gettysburg College.
Andrew Novakovic, Ph.D.
E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus | Cornell University
Andrew Novakovic, Ph.D.
Andrew Novakovic is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. His interests and expertise are in understanding the economics of agricultural and food product markets, with a particular focus on dairy foods. This includes the economics of market coordination and pricing, the operation of food processing and marketing firms, and the economic regulation of marketing and pricing activities.
He continues to be involved in research, extension and teaching activities related to his areas of expertise.
Brian Perry
Executive Vice President & Chairman, Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc.
Brian Perry
Favorite Flavor: Mint-Ting-A-Ling (Mint Chocolate Chip)
Brian Perry is a fourth-generation member of this 100-year-old family business started by his great grandfather, H. Morton Perry. Brian brings a wealth of operational experience, company heritage, and industry relations expertise as executive vice president. Brian serves as liaison to the industry and community, and provides governmental representation for the company.
His 35+ years of experience, numerous contacts, and an understanding of how to get things done make him the company’s “go-to guy”.
Brian holds an AAS from Alfred State College and a BS in Business Administration from Canisius College.
Brian most recently served as the Chairman for the International Ice Cream Association along with several other IICA and IDFA positions. In January 2013, Brian was presented with the 2013 Soaring Eagle Award, the same award presented to his father, Tom, in 1999. The award recognizes the extraordinary service of leaders in the dairy industry and those who have provided exemplary leadership to the IDFA. He is also a firm believer in giving back to the community and volunteers his time to organizations such as the Akron Lions Club, the Village of Akron Planning Board, and to the Akron Central School Pathways Program. He was also instrumental in bringing Junior Achievement courses and the Family Services Center to the Akron Central School.
Brian had a vision to start a local Industrial Refrigeration school in Western New York and with the help of former Senator Mary Lou Rath and William Mariani, past President of Erie Community College, the first classes began January 2005. In 2008, he worked with the New York State Thruway Authority and State Representatives to pass a bill allowing tractor trailer doubles to exit off the I-90 at Pembroke. Brian, Jayne, and their daughter Jenna, enjoy helping in the community and taking family excursions together.
Yin Woon Rani
CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)
Yin Woon Rani
Rani brings nearly 25 years of integrated marketing experience across CPG companies and marketing agencies to MilkPEP. As CEO, she is excited to address the challenges ahead with thoughtful, sustained solutions and looks forward to working with the entire industry to help ensure a positive impact.
Prior to joining MilkPEP, Rani was VP, Chief Customer Experience Officer for the Campbell Soup Company, where she was instrumental in modernizing the company’s marketing across content, media, design, martech and digital – as well as improving the business trajectory for important core brands and new launches. Before joining Campbell Soup, Rani was president, North America of Universal McCann, the largest operating unit within IPG’s Mediabrands group.
Rani earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from the Stern School of Business, New York University. She is active and respected within the marketing industry, earning recognition from a range of industry awards, both as a marketer and as an advocate for diversity – including YWCA’s Women of Year, SheRunsIt “Working Mother of the Year,” Brand Innovators Top 50 Women in Marketing, Path to Purchase Institute “Who’s Who in Shopper Marketing,” among others.
Heather Soubra, ACC
Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
Heather Soubra, ACC
Heather Soubra is wildly optimistic that all people can love what they do and do what they love. Her coaching empowers professionals who want to develop their leadership skills, unlock their own inner wisdom, and step into the best possible version of themselves. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.
Heather is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their highest potential. She brings out the leader within; a leader with confidence to navigate any challenge. Heather believes the magic happens when individuals access their own inner wisdom through a process of contemplating powerful questions and getting curious about themselves. Senior executive leaders have reported that Heather has helped them to build confidence and trust in their own internal guidance system. She is passionate about cultivating workplaces where people thrive, creating their own paths for achievement while actively building team unity and open communication.
As leadership coach, and lead coaching coordinator for program development at one of the nation's leading financial institutions, Heather works alongside executives to identify their professional priorities and align them with business objectives, both immediate and long-term. She designs and develops individual and group coaching programs that serve as a catalyst for growth and awareness, working to ensure that individuals are empowered, finding breakthroughs in their work and lives, which positively impact performance at their jobs, and beyond.
Heather’s role as Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) provided her experience overseeing and facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Heather conceptualized, designed, implemented, and led the IDFA People Strategy. With it, she designed and created a suite of programs focused on leadership and the cultivation of organizational well-being, as well as on building the workforce and organizations of the future.
Most recently, she has joined the team at the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon to facilitate and lead workshops and trainings to incorporate George Washington's approach to leadership strategy into tangible leadership practices for today's leaders with tools and resources that can be used right away. She has experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities for leaders in a complex organization. Heather also has vast experience leading governance structures, developing programs, and executing within global organizations at the most senior levels.
A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her ACC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF.) She is also a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington where she earned certification in corporate etiquette and international protocol.
Hamdi Ulukaya
CEO and Founder, Chobani, Inc.
Hamdi Ulukaya
Hamdi Ulukaya is founder and CEO of Chobani, one of the fastest growing food companies in the last decade and a pioneer for the natural food movement.
Raised in a dairy-farming family in a small village in eastern Turkey, Ulukaya launched Chobani in 2007 with the mission of making better food more accessible. In less than five years, Chobani became the No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand in the U.S. with more than a billion dollars in annual sales. Chobani has been named to Fortune’s ‘Change the World’ list of companies, was recently honored with a Salute to Greatness Award by The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and named one of the ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality’ by the Human Rights Campaign.
Ulukaya has always made helping people and having a positive impact on communities a priority for Chobani. From the beginning, the company has donated a portion of its profits to charitable causes, many of them in Idaho and New York where its products are made. A champion of reducing income and wealth inequality nationwide, Ulukaya advocated in support of a proposal to increase the minimum wage in New York that ultimately became law. In addition, Ulukaya implemented a groundbreaking profit-sharing program for the company’s 2,000 employees. He also took the rare step in manufacturing of instituting a six week, fully paid parental leave program for all of the company’s mothers and fathers.
In 2016, Ulukaya launched the Chobani Food Incubator to mentor and support socially responsible food entrepreneurs and further deliver on the company’s mission to provide better food for more people.
A devoted humanitarian, Ulukaya founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees to mobilize the private sector to improve the lives & livelihoods of the more than 25 million refugees around the globe. He also signed the Giving Pledge and committed the majority of his personal wealth to the cause. For these efforts, he was named an Eminent Advocate by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award, among other recognitions. Ulukaya is also a recipient of the Oslo Business for Peace Award and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work on the refugee crisis and his innovative approach to business.
Ulukaya sits on the board of the Pathfinder Village and The American Turkish Council. Most recently, Ulukaya became a member of the B Team, a collective of global leaders working to inspire dialogue and business action for a fairer, greener and more human economy. A big fan of independent films and the Turkish soccer team Fenerbahce, Ulukaya lives in New Berlin, N.Y.
Martin Wiedmann Ph.D.
Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety, Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University
Martin Wiedmann Ph.D.
Expertise
Microbial food safety; microbial food spoilage; Listeria monocytogenes; genomics and transcriptomics of food associated microbes
Current Research Interest
Whole genome sequencing tools development for characterization of foodborne pathogens; modeling approaches to control dairy and produce spoilage; sources, transmission, and control of sporeforming spoilage organisms and pathogens in the dairy supply chain; sources, transmission, and control of foodborne pathogens in produce; characterization of virulence in different salmonella serotypes; persistence and transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in food associated environments; understanding stress response mechanisms in Listeria monocytogenes
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 13, 2022 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after May 13, 2022, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your registration fee is non-refundable after May 27, 2022. 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.
Hotel
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
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 NextGen Symposium to receive the special room rate of $215 per night plus applicable taxes. The deadline to secure a room is May 23, 2022. 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.
Book OnlineSponsors
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.