PLYMOUTH, WIS. — Cheese manufacturer Sargento announced it hired Steve Dunman as its next vice president of total rewards.

Dunman will succeed Sherri Samuels-Fuerst, set to retire in spring of 2025, in the human resources role. Sargento described its total rewards program as a comprehensive approach to employee compensation and benefits that focuses on various facets of wellbeing and financial health.

Samuels-Fuerst, who first joined the company in 1994, led the development of Sargento’s total rewards program and is credited with making it an asset. The company’s leadership shared that she helped the program earn industry-wide recognition and the program will continue to provide “exceptional” benefits.

“We are very grateful for Sherri’s contributions to the Sargento Family. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence and wide-reaching impact,” Sargento chief executive officer Louie Gentine said.

Sherri Samuels-Fuerst, retiring vice president of total rewards, Sargento.

| Photo: Sargento

The company said its newest vice president, Dunman, is expected to build upon the foundation built by Samuels-Fuerst. Sargento noted the total rewards program takes an “innovative mindset to develop solutions for organizational structures and workplace policies while enhancing the employee experience.”

Dunman’s 20-plus years of human resources and operations experience includes leadership roles at Comcast Corporation, HSBC Financial Corporation and Davidson Homes LLC. Sargento said Dunman will take a data-driven approach to enhance its program, while creating “a meaningful employee experience.”

Gentine said the company was thrilled to bring Dunman on board.

“His proven track record of fostering a collaborative culture to support both employee and company growth makes him an ideal fit for Sargento,” the CEO said. “We are excited for him to continue creating a world-class employee experience with us”