NextGen Leadership | International Dairy Foods Association

Michael Dykes
President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association

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.

Updated Next Gen

The 2019-2020 program registration process is now open.
Please click the apply tab to learn more.
Deadline to submit an application is June 14, 2019.

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 will convene a class of 15-20 IDFA members for a multi-faceted year-long curriculum. The 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.

All applicants must commit to participation in the entire program, including attendance at all events. The program strives to provide dairy professionals with the knowledge and networking opportunities to become future leaders in the dairy industry.

The first NextGen event will be held in Washington DC, August 13-15^th. A draft agenda outlining the Advocacy and Leadership Meeting can be found in the link.

Program Goals

The program is developed around three core development areas:

Advocacy
Education
Networking

Eligibility

Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate. Candidates who wish to apply must complete an application.

If you have an employee you would like to nominate for the 2019-2020 NextGen Leadership Class, please contact to Colin Newman, Manager, Legislative Affairs & Political Programs at cnewman@idfa.org or (202) 220-3518.

IDFA: Your NextGen Leadership Development Partner

Move Forward

Thank you for your interest in applying to the IDFA NextGen Leadership Program.

Eligibility

Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate.

How to Apply

Fill out Application Form. Please submit completed form to Colin Newman at cnewman@idfa.org by June 14, 2019.
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.

June 14, 2019

Applications Due

June 28, 2019

2019-2020 Class Announced

August 13-15, 2019

Advocacy and Leadership Meeting, Washington, D.C. Draft Agenda

Tuesday, August 13^th – Introduction Briefing and Dinner, IDFA Offices

Wednesday, August 14^th - The George Washington Leadership Institute, Mount Vernon

Thursday, August 15^th - Legislative Advocacy Day, U.S. Capitol

January 26-29, 2020

Dairy Forum 2020, Scottsdale, AZ

NextGen Dinner, Networking Reception, Additional Programing TBA

May TBD, 2020

IDFA Executive Council and Industry Segment Board Spring Meeting

NextGen Dinner & Meeting, IDFA Issue Briefing, Executive Council and Segment Board Dinner, Segment Board Meeting

What is the NextGen Leadership Program?

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 15-20 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.

If my company is an IDFA member is there an extra fee for me to participate in the NextGen Leadership Program?

No, there is no additional fee to participate in the program. However, please note that there will be costs associated with travel and hotel expenses.

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?

All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate. Please fill out an application form in the Apply tab. Submit completed form to Colin Newman at cnewman@idfa.org by June 14, 2019.

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.

Stay Connected

International Dairy Foods Association
Milk Industry Foundation • National Cheese Institute • International Ice Cream Association
1250 H Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 737-4332 • Fax: (202) 331-7820
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The 2019-2020 program registration process is now open. Please click the apply tab to learn more. Deadline to submit an application is June 14, 2019.