WASHINGTON — The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) named this week the five new members of its executive council, which is comprised of industry executives and focuses on the association’s business and operations.

IDFA’s new officers, whose terms last until January 2023, are:

• Chair: David Ahlem, chief executive officer and president, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

• Vice chair: Patricia Stroup, senior vice president and chief procurement officer, Nestle S.A., and CEO, Nestrade S.A.

• Secretary: Stan Ryan, president & CEO, Darigold, Inc.

• Treasurer: David Nelsen, vice president, manufacturing, Albertsons Companies

• Immediate past chair: Dan Zagzebski, president & CEO, Great Lakes Cheese

“These executives were nominated and selected based on their demonstrated leadership, business expertise and willingness to dedicate time to the future success of IDFA and the dairy industry in the United States,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “Their knowledge, experience and input will guide our regulatory, legislative, communications and membership services so that IDFA is working in the best interest of our members and the industry overall.”

The IDFA also announced the numerous new directors for its five industry segment boards, which cover fluid milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy-derived ingredients.

The executive council and segment boards account for the IDFA’s governance structure. Members of the segment boards are experts and executives from their respective fields, and drive policy and strategy.

The new IDFA executive council chairman, Ahlem said: “IDFA’s leadership helps to ensure a unified voice for all segments of the dairy industry, and I’m honored to serve alongside so many talented, dedicated professionals making nutritious, sustainable and affordable dairy products for people all around the world.”

The IDFA represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact, per the IDFA.

See the complete list of IDFA executive council members, including the industry segment board additions, on the IDFA website.