EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. – Prairie Farms Dairy promoted Chris Hackman to the role of chief operating officer. Currently senior vice president with the company, Hackman will become COO on April 1, succeeding Gary Aggus, COO since 2006.

Matt McClelland, chief executive officer and executive vice president at Prairie Farms, said Hackman possesses extensive knowledge and experience. The CEO said he expects Hackman to “do right for our farmer-owners, associates and customers,” making him an “ideal” COO.

Hackman first began working for Prairie Farms 16 years ago, and said prior to that he had 14 years of dairy experience from being part of a family-owned and operated dairy processing facility.

“Beyond my 30 years of working in the dairy industry, dairy has always been a part of my life, as I am the third generation of a dairy family,” Hackman said. “I understand the crucial role of operational excellence in returning value to our hard-working dairy farmers. Not only am I honored to accept the chief operating officer position, but it is a privilege to work with our extraordinary team of associates. Together, we will lead Prairie Farms to continued growth and operational excellence.”

He also serves on the Missouri State Milk Board advisory committee, Missouri Dairy Products Association board of directors and the All Star Association board of directors. In 2017, Hackman was inducted into the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors and presented with the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Leadership Award.