ROSEMONT, Ill. – Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, announced she 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 on behalf of America’s dairy farmers and importers.
O’Brien’s planned retirement initiates a leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and long-term success for the dairy checkoff. The DMI Board of Directors has begun succession planning efforts to support a smooth transition and continued focus on delivering value for dairy farmers and importers. O’Brien will continue leading the organization through this period, working closely with the board and leadership teams to support continuity and execution of strategic priorities.
O’Brien 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,” O’Brien said.
Throughout her tenure, O’Brien has emphasized strategic clarity, collaboration across the dairy value chain and delivering tangible results – domestically and globally – for farmers through integrated marketing, nutrition science and innovation strategies. She also oversees the work of 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 pre-competitive initiatives in animal care, environmental sustainability, hunger and community impact. Under her leadership, 39 companies representing 77% of U.S. milk production adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment.
O’Brien’s focus on long-term strategy led to an evolution of the checkoff business plan, emphasizing stronger integration across teams and market categories. These efforts helped drive growth in dairy demand and improve consumer perceptions of dairy farming and dairy foods. She also has prioritized building the next generation of leaders within staff and among dairy farmers to ensure continued momentum for years to come.
“Transitions like this are important moments for any organization,” O’Brien said. “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.”
O’Brien stressed that the organization’s strategic direction and operational focus will remain unchanged in the coming months.
“I want to be very clear: our work does not slow down, shift or lose focus,” she said. “The leadership team and staff are strong, the strategy is set and we are in the first year of a three-year Unified Plan with real momentum. My commitment, and that of DMI, state and regional and USDEC leadership, remains fully directed on delivering results for farmers and importers through 2026.”
For information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.
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