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August 12, 2026

New Leaders Take the Reins at DFW

New Leaders Take the Reins at DFW

New Executive Committee Formed

The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) Board of Directors has announced its fiscal year 2027 executive committee. At the same time, the organization welcomed newly elected directors to its 25-member board. These leaders will serve through June 30, 2027. Moving forward, they will focus on responsibly investing dairy farmer checkoff dollars. They also plan to build consumer trust and grow demand for Wisconsin dairy products.

Janet Clark Secures Fifth Term

First, the board re-elected Janet Clark of Eldorado (District 16) as board chair. This marks her fifth consecutive term. “It is an honor to continue serving as Board Chair and representing Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers,” Clark said. “Together, our board and the DFW team remain committed to ensuring farmers are at the center of our work as we strengthen trust, expand markets and create new opportunities for Wisconsin dairy.”

 

Fresh Faces Join the Board

In addition to Clark, the board elected seven dairy farmers to serve on the Executive Committee:
    • Jonathon Hallock, District 13 (Mondovi) – Vice Chair
    • Sandra Madland, District 15 (Lyndon Station) – Secretary
    • Mark Crave, District 19 (Watertown) – Treasurer
    • Kristen Metcalf, District 25 – Communications Committee Chair
    • Carolyn Alsteen, District 2 – Channel Management Committee Chair
    • Andrew Christenson, District 4 – Policy/Bylaw Committee Chair
    • Ali Straschinske, District 5 – Center for Dairy Research Liaison Committee Chair
    • The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors elects the fiscal year 2027 executive committee during its July meeting in Madison. From left: Ali Straschinske, District 5, Center for Dairy Research liaison committee chair; Carolyn Alsteen, District 2, channel management committee chair; Janet Clark, District 16, board chair; Sandra Madland, District 15, secretary; Mark Crave, District 19, treasurer; Jonathon Hallock, District 13, vice chair; Andrew Christenson, District 4, policy/bylaw committee chair; Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin; and Kristen Metcalf, District 25, communications committee chair. 

Furthermore, the board welcomed three new directors during its July annual election meeting. These new members include Evan Hillan of District 1 (Ladysmith), Bruce Gumz of District 8 (Dorchester), and Patrick R. Schroeder of District 22 (Lancaster).

Finally, delegates re-elected seven current directors to additional three-year terms. This group includes Andrew Christenson of District 4 (Amery) and David Bangart of District 7 (Greenwood).

Seven directors were re-elected to additional three-year terms: Andrew Christenson of District 4 from Amery; David Bangart of District 7 from Greenwood; Tasha Schleis of District 10 from Kewaunee; Jonathon Hallock of District 13 from Mondovi; Janet Clark of District 16 from Eldorado; Mark Crave of District 19 from Watertown; and Kristen Metcalf of District 25 from Milton. 

 Together, these directors represent dairy farmers across 27 Wisconsin counties, helping ensure DFW’s work reflects the priorities and perspectives of Wisconsin dairy farmers. 

 “The leadership and firsthand experience our directors bring to the board are essential to delivering meaningful results for Wisconsin dairy farmers,” said Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “Their perspectives help guide our priorities, strengthen accountability and ensure our work continues to build trust and drive demand for Wisconsin dairy throughout the state, across the country and around the world.” 

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