MIDDLETON, WIS. – Midwest dairy cooperative Foremost Farms USA introduced Brenda Dehart as its new senior vice president, chief financial officer and member of the company’s executive leadership team.

Dehart replaces Bob Bascom, who retired after working at the executive level for the cooperative for the past six years.

Per Foremost Farms, Dehart is responsible for developing and managing the cooperative’s financial strategy, planning analysis and reporting of short- and long-term financial objectives, as well as legal oversight.

Dehart’s 30-plus years in food manufacturing and executive finance includes her most recent position at international dairy flavor manufacturer Edlong, where she was CFO. Previously in her career, she also worked at Sensient Technologies and Kerry, Inc., where she led the company’s finance division and oversaw operations and quality for Kerry Americas, a cheese and dairy specialty ingredients business.

Greg Schlafer, president and chief executive officer for the food and beverage manufacturer, said the cooperative is thrilled to have Dehart on its team.

"Brenda Dehart’s strategic financial acumen and experience are an excellent fit for Foremost Farms,” Schlafer said. "She has an extensive finance background and a proven leadership track record that will contribute to the cooperative’s future.”

The company said Bascom will be part of Dehart’s onboarding as she begins as CFO “to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.”

Dehart earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor's degree in business finance from Concordia University Wisconsin.