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 - 9:30am | Welcome Address: State of the Industry | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
| 9:30am - 12:30pm |
Leadership Skills for Success
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.<br>
Examples of topics to be discussed: <br>
• Setting and communicating one’s intentions and vision <br>
• Ensuring messages are heard and understood <br>
• Aligning and motivating others to embrace change <br>
• Delivering difficult messages in uncertain times
<br> <i>Speaker</i>: <b>Lisa Csencsits</b>, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
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|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
| 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Networking Lunch | Taylor Room | |
| 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
General Session: Dairy Markets - Along for the Ride or Charting a Course?
We will look at some of the meta trends that may shape future opportunities and challenges for the dairy sector.
</br>Speaker: <b>Christopher Wolf</b>, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University </br>
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
| 2:30pm - 2:45pm | Networking Break | Conference Foyer | |
| 2:45pm - 3:45pm |
General Session: Tradeoff Decision Making for Leaders
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. </br>Speaker: <b> Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D.</b>, Gellert Family Professor of Food Safety, Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University</br>
|
Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater | |
| 3:45pm - 4:00pm | Networking Break | Conference Foyer | |
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Cornell Dairy Plant Tour
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. </br>
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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.
|
Stocking Hall | |
| 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 - 10:15am |
General Session: United By Dairy. Powered by People.
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. </br>Speakers: <b>Bill Beaton</b>, President & CEO, Argi-Mark Inc./Cabot </br> <b>Dave Coble</b>, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Schreiber Foods Inc.</br> <b>Robin Kane</b>, Chief People Officer, Aurora Organic Dairy</br>
|
, , | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater |
| 10:15am - 10:30am | Networking Break | Conference Foyer | |
| 10:30am - 11:30am |
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
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. <br> <i>Speakers</i>: <b>Lisa Csencsits</b>, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
<br>
<b>Heather Soubra, ACC</b>, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
|
, | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater |
| 10:30am - 11:30am |
Deep Dive Session: Health & Wellness
</br>Speaker: <b>Daniel Hooker</b>, Senior Lecturer, Executive Education, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University</br>
|
Terrace Lounge | |
| 11:30am - 11:45am | Networking Break | Conference Foyer | |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm |
Deep Dive Session: Leadership Workshop
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.
<br> <i>Speakers</i>: <b>Lisa Csencsits</b>, Director of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
<br>
<b>Heather Soubra, ACC</b>, Leadership Coach, Wiser Way Coaching
|
, | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm |
Deep Dive Session: The Competitive Advantage of ESG
<br> <i>Moderator</i>: <b>Matt Herrick</b>, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, International Dairy Foods Association
<br>
<i>Speaker</i>:<b> John Dardis, Ph.D.</b>, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Glanbia Nutritionals
|
, | Terrace Lounge |
| 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 | Robotic Milking:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EadzB0fLlw">Watch Video</a>
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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.
|
Hemdale Farms (Seneca Castle, NY) | |
| 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
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. <br> <i>Moderator</i>: <b>Michael Dykes, D.V.M. </b>, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
<br><i>Speakers</i>: <b>Kevin Ellis</b>, CEO, Cayuga Milk Ingredients <br> <b>Bob Huffman</b>, President and CEO, First District Association <br><b>Yin Woon Rani</b>, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) <br> <b>Brian Perry</b>, Executive Vice President & Chairman, Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc. <br>
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, , , , | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater |
| 10:00am - 10:30am | Closing Remarks | Kerkorian Kemper Amphitheater |
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 more than 90 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.
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, Associate Director for Executive Education at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of customized learning and capability development programs. 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, individual and team development. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, working alongside management and leaders to identify and define the necessary capabilities needed to perform effectively in their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational needs 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. Lisa holds a B.A. In Psychology from Adelphi University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.
General Session: Dairy Markets - Along for the Ride or Charting a Course?
Christopher Wolf
Christopher Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and at Cornell University. He moved to Cornell in 2019 after more than 21 years on faculty at Michigan State University. He conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. Wolf has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy-makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis.
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.
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.
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, Associate Director for Executive Education at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of customized learning and capability development programs. 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, individual and team development. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, working alongside management and leaders to identify and define the necessary capabilities needed to perform effectively in their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational needs 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. Lisa holds a B.A. In Psychology from Adelphi University and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University.
Heather Soubra, ACC
Having joined IDFA in 2008, Heather Soubra directs the organization’s key initiatives, leading day-to-day operations of the executive office. Executing on the strategic priorities of the International Dairy Foods Association, Soubra serves as strategist and consultant, facilitating collaboration and inclusiveness across the association to achieve organizational goals.
Soubra is the executive office liaison with IDFA members and members of the IDFA governance structure. She also leads IDFA program development and execution, including IDFA’s Dairy Forum which convenes 1,000 + stakeholders annually for the industry’s best-in-class thought leadership and strategic sharing of next-practices.
Soubra designed, implemented, and leads 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. The latest of these programs is the Dairy Diversity Coalition developed in collaboration with Egon Zehnder with the goal of increasing and empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dairy industry.
Soubra studied international affairs at George Washington University, earned her bachelor’s degree in intercultural communication from George Mason University, and her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence through their Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program, designed for business professionals striving for positive change in team and organizational culture. She received her Associate Certified Coach (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. Soubra and her husband have two grown daughters and are adjusting to life as empty nesters. See LinkedIn Profile.
Deep Dive Session: Health & Wellness
Daniel Hooker
Dan is a global retail and consumer packaged goods executive with broad experience across diverse business environments and formats, leading traditional food retail operations and merchandising, as well as product development, consumer and category analytics, sourcing and procurement, global trading, national sales and ecommerce. Dan is an outstanding strategist and general manager, and he has led the successful startup of multiple diverse businesses. Known for and recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on retailers’ proprietary brands, he has shaped clients’ programs across four continents and eight classes of trade. His passion is in helping companies see their unique DNA and positioning and creating actionable marketing and sales strategies essential for their success.
After earning a degree from Cornell University in Agribusiness and Marketing, Dan plunged headlong into retail joining Aldi Foods as a District Manager. In the early 1990’s Wakefern/ShopRite was very concerned about Aldi’s expansion east and Dan jumped at the opportunity to start a business, and moved to West Springfield, MA and opened the first Price Rite Store. Today there are over 70 Price Rite stores that generate over $1 Billion in annual revenue and they are a strategic growth driver for Wakefern.
After spending two years at Arthur Andersen as a retail consultant Dan spent fourteen years at Daymon Worlwide working with manufacturers and retailers across the world. Dan’s career at Daymon progressed rapidly, and In 2011 Dan was appointed to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) as the Chief Supplier Officer (CSO). As the CSO Dan was responsible for Category Management and Analytics, Supplier Relationships, Global Sourcing and Procurement and ran Daymon’s import and export businesses. As a member of the ELT Dan was instrumental in re-inventing Daymon from consulting/brokerage company to a broader retail services company. Dan left Daymon at the end of 2013 and joined Trilliant Food and Nutrition in January of 2014 as the Vice President of Sales for national accounts and ecommerce.
For the last four years Dan has focused on the digital channel selling to ecommerce retailers and running multi-million-dollar businesses for Walmart.com and Jet.com.
And today, Dan is on the Faculty at the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University where he teaches both graduates and undergraduates in Food and Consumables Marketing, Supply Chain Strategy, and he is the Director of External Education for the Food Industry Management Program.
Dan has an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
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
Having joined IDFA in 2008, Heather Soubra directs the organization’s key initiatives, leading day-to-day operations of the executive office. Executing on the strategic priorities of the International Dairy Foods Association, Soubra serves as strategist and consultant, facilitating collaboration and inclusiveness across the association to achieve organizational goals.
Soubra is the executive office liaison with IDFA members and members of the IDFA governance structure. She also leads IDFA program development and execution, including IDFA’s Dairy Forum which convenes 1,000 + stakeholders annually for the industry’s best-in-class thought leadership and strategic sharing of next-practices.
Soubra designed, implemented, and leads 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. The latest of these programs is the Dairy Diversity Coalition developed in collaboration with Egon Zehnder with the goal of increasing and empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dairy industry.
Soubra studied international affairs at George Washington University, earned her bachelor’s degree in intercultural communication from George Mason University, and her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence through their Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program, designed for business professionals striving for positive change in team and organizational culture. She received her Associate Certified Coach (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. Soubra and her husband have two grown daughters and are adjusting to life as empty nesters. See LinkedIn Profile.
Lisa Csencsits
Lisa Csencsits, Associate Director for Executive Education at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of customized learning and capability development programs. 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, individual and team development. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, working alongside management and leaders to identify and define the necessary capabilities needed to perform effectively in their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational needs 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. 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 executive 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: Kevin Ellis, 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 more than 90 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.
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.
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.
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 more than 90 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.
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 of Human Resource Programs at Cornell University, ILR School, The Scheinman Institute
Lisa Csencsits
Lisa Csencsits, Associate Director for Executive Education at Cornell University, ILR, is responsible for the design, development and delivery of customized learning and capability development programs. 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, individual and team development. Lisa's work has included establishing talent management processes for greater efficiency and results, delivering learning programs aimed at building strategic leadership, working alongside management and leaders to identify and define the necessary capabilities needed to perform effectively in their functions and creating unique career development opportunities to support both organizational needs 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. 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.
Kevin Ellis
CEO, Cayuga Milk Ingredients
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 executive 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.
Daniel Hooker
Senior Lecturer, Executive Education, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University
Daniel Hooker
Dan is a global retail and consumer packaged goods executive with broad experience across diverse business environments and formats, leading traditional food retail operations and merchandising, as well as product development, consumer and category analytics, sourcing and procurement, global trading, national sales and ecommerce. Dan is an outstanding strategist and general manager, and he has led the successful startup of multiple diverse businesses. Known for and recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on retailers’ proprietary brands, he has shaped clients’ programs across four continents and eight classes of trade. His passion is in helping companies see their unique DNA and positioning and creating actionable marketing and sales strategies essential for their success.
After earning a degree from Cornell University in Agribusiness and Marketing, Dan plunged headlong into retail joining Aldi Foods as a District Manager. In the early 1990’s Wakefern/ShopRite was very concerned about Aldi’s expansion east and Dan jumped at the opportunity to start a business, and moved to West Springfield, MA and opened the first Price Rite Store. Today there are over 70 Price Rite stores that generate over $1 Billion in annual revenue and they are a strategic growth driver for Wakefern.
After spending two years at Arthur Andersen as a retail consultant Dan spent fourteen years at Daymon Worlwide working with manufacturers and retailers across the world. Dan’s career at Daymon progressed rapidly, and In 2011 Dan was appointed to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) as the Chief Supplier Officer (CSO). As the CSO Dan was responsible for Category Management and Analytics, Supplier Relationships, Global Sourcing and Procurement and ran Daymon’s import and export businesses. As a member of the ELT Dan was instrumental in re-inventing Daymon from consulting/brokerage company to a broader retail services company. Dan left Daymon at the end of 2013 and joined Trilliant Food and Nutrition in January of 2014 as the Vice President of Sales for national accounts and ecommerce.
For the last four years Dan has focused on the digital channel selling to ecommerce retailers and running multi-million-dollar businesses for Walmart.com and Jet.com.
And today, Dan is on the Faculty at the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University where he teaches both graduates and undergraduates in Food and Consumables Marketing, Supply Chain Strategy, and he is the Director of External Education for the Food Industry Management Program.
Dan has an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
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.
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
Having joined IDFA in 2008, Heather Soubra directs the organization’s key initiatives, leading day-to-day operations of the executive office. Executing on the strategic priorities of the International Dairy Foods Association, Soubra serves as strategist and consultant, facilitating collaboration and inclusiveness across the association to achieve organizational goals.
Soubra is the executive office liaison with IDFA members and members of the IDFA governance structure. She also leads IDFA program development and execution, including IDFA’s Dairy Forum which convenes 1,000 + stakeholders annually for the industry’s best-in-class thought leadership and strategic sharing of next-practices.
Soubra designed, implemented, and leads 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. The latest of these programs is the Dairy Diversity Coalition developed in collaboration with Egon Zehnder with the goal of increasing and empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dairy industry.
Soubra studied international affairs at George Washington University, earned her bachelor’s degree in intercultural communication from George Mason University, and her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence through their Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program, designed for business professionals striving for positive change in team and organizational culture. She received her Associate Certified Coach (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. Soubra and her husband have two grown daughters and are adjusting to life as empty nesters. See LinkedIn Profile.
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
Christopher Wolf
Professor, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University
Christopher Wolf
Christopher Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and at Cornell University. He moved to Cornell in 2019 after more than 21 years on faculty at Michigan State University. He conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. Wolf has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy-makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis.
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.