Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, will retire at the end of her five-year term this fall.
O’Brien was unanimously approved by the DMI Board of Directors as CEO on Oct. 11, 2021, and has since led the organization through a period of strategic alignment, innovation, and measurable growth. The DMI Board of Directors has begun succession planning efforts to support a smooth transition. O’Brien will continue leading the organization through this period. She said that planning for succession has been deliberate and intentional.
“As we looked ahead, we knew this is the right and responsible time to give the organization ample runway for a well-managed transition as the DMI board and search committee plan from a position of strength,” she says.
Throughout her tenure, O’Brien has emphasized strategic clarity, collaboration across the value chain, and delivering tangible results, domestically and globally. She also oversees the work of the National Dairy Council and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, helping strengthen dairy’s position in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
As president and CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, O’Brien has brought together leaders from 28 dairy companies and organizations to advance animal care, environmental sustainability, and community impact. Under her leadership, 39 companies representing 77 percent of U.S. milk production adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment.
O’Brien’s focus on long-term strategy led to growth in dairy demand and improved consumer perceptions of dairy farming and foods. She has also prioritized building the next generation of leaders within staff and among dairy farmers.
“Transitions like this are important moments for any organization,” O’Brien says. “They require clarity of
direction, strong partnership between management and the board, and steady execution of the work already underway. The mission does not change. The priorities remain clear. And the work continues without interruption.”
Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of DMI, expressed appreciation for O’Brien’s
leadership and impact on the dairy checkoff.
“Barbara has led the dairy checkoff with vision, integrity, and a relentless focus on results for dairy farmers,” Hershey said. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank her for the strong leadership she has provided during a pivotal time for our industry. Her ability to unite organizations, strengthen partnerships, and build momentum around a clear strategy has positioned the checkoff and the broader dairy community for continued success. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the lasting impact she has made.”
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