SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Nutrition education and advocacy organization Dairy Council of California added three dairy industry professionals to its board of directors.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture appointed Legacy Farms owner and vice president John Vanderpoel Jr., Fernridge Farms owner and partner Preston Fernandes, and Peluso Cheese president and chief executive officer Rene Reynoso.

Dairy Council of California, funded by the state’s dairy farmers and milk processors, described the new board members as being “deeply connected with the dairy community, bringing forward fresh perspectives and strategic insights to both challenges and emerging opportunities.”

Said Amy DeLisio, the council’s CEO: “Their diverse backgrounds bring invaluable expertise to our organization’s ability to continue to promote healthy eating patterns and sustainable food systems that include dairy foods.”

Fernandes said he was thrilled to work with the council’s board members to elevate dairy’s role in nourishing communities.

“Dairy is not just a staple in healthy, balanced diets — it’s a source of essential nutrients that fuel growth and wellness across all ages,” the Fernridge Farms owner said. “I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to advancing nutrition education and advocating for the critical benefits dairy provides in creating healthier, more sustainable futures.”

Board members are elected for three-year terms. In addition to the new appointees, four board members were reappointed: Robert VanderEyk Dairy co-owner Arlene VanderEyk, Marvo Holsteins owner Michael Oosten, Driftwood Dairy vice president of sales John Dolan, and Alta Dena Dairy general manager Hem Shah.

Dairy Council of California focuses on advancing the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems.