For decades, dairy leaders have created new products and processes, skillfully navigated change and innovation, and opened market opportunities that have had a lasting impact on their organizations and the industry. The IDFA Laureate Award recognizes these industry leaders for their outstanding achievements and continued contributions.
One Laureate is selected each year by a panel of industry professionals and honored at Dairy Forum as a guest of IDFA. Past recipients include: David Ahlem, Board Advisor and Former CEO and President of Hilmar (2026); Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus of Select Milk Producers; Tim Galloway, chairman of Galloway Company (2025); Mike Durkin, former president and CEO of Leprino Foods (2025); Ricky Dickson, former CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries (2024) Larry Webster, former CEO of Upstate Niagara Dairy Cooperative, Inc. and Jim Sartori, chairman and former CEO of Sartori Co. (2023); Dan Zagzebski, president & CEO, Great Lakes Cheese and Ed Mullins, former CEO, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (2022); Sue Taylor, vice president of dairy economics and policy for Leprino Foods Company (2021); and Andrei Mikhalevsky, former president and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. (2020).
Candidates from all processing segments – milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and ingredients – and from suppliers and academia are eligible for consideration.
Criteria
- Demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to the dairy industry.
- Proven leadership within the industry.
- Achievements that reflect innovation, vision, and the ability to inspire others.
Submit a Nomination
Nominations for the 2027 award will open later in 2026. Please check back for more information.
For more information, contact Andrew Jerome at [email protected].
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