Patricia (Patti ) Smith serves as the President and CEO of the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI), the leading national trade association representing manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of dairy-based ingredients. With over 35 years of experience in the global dairy industry, Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and strategic vision to the organization and the dairy industry.
Before joining ADPI, Patricia held a series of high-impact executive roles across the dairy and ingredients sectors. She was most recently the President of the Ingredients Division at California Dairies, Inc., where she led commercial strategy and operations for a wide range of value-added dairy ingredients. Her prior leadership roles include serving as CEO of DairyAmerica and CEO of Valley Milk, where she drove innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence.
Earlier in her career, Patricia held senior positions with Roquette America and Fonterra, where she gained deep expertise in dairy ingredients, supply chain management, and global trade.
Throughout her career, Patricia has been recognized for her commitment to industry collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Her leadership at ADPI continues to support the advancement of U.S. dairy ingredients in both domestic and international markets.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Patricia has been married to her husband Dean for 38 years. She deeply values family life and especially enjoys spending quality time with her three grandchildren: Emaree, Jayce, and Aubree.
