MIDDLETON, WIS. — Midwest dairy cooperative Foremost Farms USA added two independent members to its board of directors.

Foremost Farms noted that new appointees Staci Kring and Andrei Mikhalesvky possess thorough knowledge of the industry, as well as dairy cooperative management experience.

Kring’s background includes three years as chief revenue officer at Organic Valley and 20-plus years working in various roles for Schreiber Foods, where she was executive vice president of retail sales. She earned bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering, and foods, nutrition and wellness studies from Kansas State University.

Mikhalesvky’s experience includes eight years as the president and chief executive officer for California Dairies, Inc. He also took on executive level roles with Symrise Inc., Georgia Pacific Corp. and Campbell Soup Co. Mikhalesvky earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Stetson University.

Foremost Farms board chairman Joel Eigenbrood said he looked forward to having Kring and Mikhalesvky on the board.

“As independent directors, they will bring new perspectives to round out and blend with the experience of rest of the directors, who are members of the cooperative,” Eigenbrood said.

Added Greg Schlafer, president and CEO at Foremost Farms: “Their successful business careers in the dairy and food industries, and their experience working with co-ops and farmers align well with our mission to create value for our dairy farm families.”