Barbara O'Brien to Retire as CEO of Dairy Management Inc. in 2026

Barbara O'Brien, the president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, announced her retirement effective at the end of her five-year term in fall 2026. O'Brien was appointed as CEO by the DMI Board of Directors on October 11, 2021. Her leadership focused on strategic alignment and innovation, benefiting America's dairy farmers and importers.

Throughout her time at DMI, O'Brien has emphasized strategic clarity and collaboration across the dairy value chain. She played a crucial role in integrating marketing, nutrition science, and innovation strategies to drive growth domestically and globally. Under her leadership, 39 companies representing 77% of U.S. milk production adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment.

The DMI Board of Directors has initiated succession planning to ensure continuity and support the ongoing success of the dairy checkoff program. O'Brien will continue to work with the board and leadership teams to maintain focus on strategic priorities during the transition.

O'Brien's impact includes strengthening the position of dairy in the competitive global market, particularly through her work with the National Dairy Council and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. She also advanced initiatives in animal care, environmental sustainability, and community impact through collaborations with 28 dairy companies and organizations.

Marilyn Hershey, chair of DMI and a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, praised O'Brien's leadership, acknowledging her contributions to uniting organizations and building partnerships. O'Brien's strategic direction and operational focus are set to remain unchanged, ensuring continued results for farmers and importers through 2026.

Dairy Management Inc., funded by over 24,000 dairy farmers and importers, manages the national checkoff program and collaborates with state and regional teams to boost dairy sales and foster consumer trust in dairy products.