In recognition of her 35 years of leadership in the dairy industry, IDFA honored Connie Tipton, the association’s recently retired president and CEO, with the Soaring Eagle Award this week at Dairy Forum 2017. The award recognizes individuals who have provided exemplary leadership to IDFA and its constituent organizations.

Tipton led successful legislative campaigns to lessen government involvement in regulations that reduce dairy product marketability, assisted in passing legislation to create the famous “milk mustache” campaign and helped to launch the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. She served as president and CEO from 2004 to 2016.

Watch a tribute video of Tipton's legacy in the dairy industry.