To prepare for the future and retain top talent, organizations need to provide learning and professional development programs for their next generation of leadership. At IDFA we are dedicated to providing resources to our members to ensure positive growth within their companies.
The NextGen Leadership program is designed to support, guide and prepare mid-senior level dairy industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This unique program convenes classes of IDFA members for a multi-faceted, year-long curriculum. The program equips participants with skills required to successfully conquer business demands today – and in the future. Participants build relationships with their peers, develop leadership skills and learn to become advocates for the dairy industry. The program strives to provide dairy professionals with the knowledge and networking opportunities to become future leaders in the dairy industry.
IDFA's NextGen Leadership Program is sponsored by Producers Dairy.
On July 9, 2020, IDFA announced Cohort 2 of the NextGen Leadership Program, welcoming 28 emerging leaders in the dairy industry to the program's second class.
Program Goals
The program is developed around three core development areas:
Advocacy
Leadership Development
Networking
Eligibility
The application period for the 2020-2021 program closed June 19, 2020. Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate, and they must commit to participation in the entire program, including attendance at all events. Candidates who wish to apply must complete an application.
Contact
If you would like to nominate an employee for the 2021-2022 NextGen Leadership Class, please contact to Colin Newman, Director of Political Affairs and Strategic Programs at cnewman@idfa.org or (202) 220-3518.
When you submit your application form, please be sure to include supplemental items which include the following: cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation from company sponsor.
Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items. Accepted applicants will be responsible for a $1500.00 program fee.
2020-2021 Schedule
Introduction Meeting
August 11, 2020, 1:30pm EST Virtual Event
Leadership Workshop
Purposeful Communication for a Positive Culture September 10, 2020 Virtual Event
IDFA October Board Meetings
Issues Briefing & Segment Board Meetings October 8, 2020 – October 9, 2020 Virtual Participation
Advocacy Webinar
November 17, 2020 Virtual Event
Dairy Forum 2021
January 25, 2021 – January 28, 2021 Virtual Conference
Leading in Times of Crisis: A George Washington Leadership Institute Interactive Webinar
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
IDFA NextGen Fly-In Meetings
April (Multiple Dates)
Spring Meetings of the IDFA Executive Council and Industry Segment Boards
Monday, May 3rd – Wednesday, May 5th
Applications open for Cohort 3 (2021-2022 NextGen Class)
Monday, May 17, 2021
Executive Presence in a Virtual World: The Art and Science of Owning All the Rooms Presented by Susan Paley, Executive Coach
Thursday, May 20, 2021
NextGen Closing Webinar- Reflections
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Sponsor
IDFA's NextGen Leadership Program is sponsored by:
Please find the NextGen Leadership Program Sponsor Prospectus via the link below to explore the opportunity your organization has to support and empower the next generation of leaders in the dairy industry. Please contact Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org to inquire more about a potential sponsorship.
The NextGen Leadership Program is a new initiative designed to support, guide and prepare industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This unique program will convene a class of IDFA members for a multi-faceted year-long program.
The NextGen Leadership program will equip participants with skills required to successfully conquer business’ demands today – and in the future. Participants will build relationships with their peers, develop leadership skills and learn to become advocates for the dairy industry.
Who is invited to apply to the NextGen Leadership Program?
Program participation is open to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate. This program is geared toward mid-senior level dairy industry professionals.
Does my company have to be an IDFA member to apply to NextGen Leadership Program?
Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies.
Is there a cost to joining the program?
Yes, there is a program fee. Accepted candidates of the Cohort 2 class will be contacted with payment instructions.
If my company isn’t an IDFA member, is there an extra fee to join?
At this time, the NextGen Leadership Program is only open to IDFA members.
How do I join the NextGen Leadership Program?
Applications for the 2020-2021 class closed June 19, 2020. Stay tuned for more information on the 2021-2022 class.
Can more than one person from my company participate in the program?
Yes, more than one person per company can apply to be part of the NextGen Leadership Program.
Cohort 1 (2019-2020 Class):
Ebru Basaran-Shull, Director, Compliance and Government Affairs, Sargento Foods, Inc., Plymouth, Wisc.
Mark Benson, Vice President Supply Chain, Leprino Foods Company, Denver, Colo.
Brian Fletcher, Vice President, Commercial/Institutional Service and Sales, Rice Dairy, Chicago, Ill.
Lucas Fuess, Director of Dairy Market Intelligence, HighGround Dairy, Chicago, Ill.
David Hakes, Regulatory Product Compliance Manager, Company Affairs, Schreiber Foods, Inc., Green Bay, Wisc.
Jeff Larson, General Manager, Dairy Operation, H-E-B, San Antonio, Texas
