TEMPE, ARIZ. – United Dairymen of Arizona announced it has appointed Josh Susany as the company’s chief financial officer and promoted Ashley Ellixson to the role of chief business operations officer.

Susany, who officially started with UDA on March 28, will lead all financial planning and analysis, as well as commercial and operations finance functions for the dairy cooperative.

Most recently the vice president of finance for Eagle Family Foods, Susany led the commercial and operations finance team for Eagle’s manufacturing and distribution in baking evaporated and sweetened condensed milk. Prior to that, Susany also worked for Nestle USA’s innovation and commercial finance group, developing business strategies and forecasting models.

He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Youngstown State University in Ohio, and is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants.

“Josh’s experience and mindset are a great fit for our team,” said Robert Chesler, chief executive officer of UDA. “We continue to elevate our business in new and exciting ways. Josh’s proven track record successfully leading commercial and operations finance teams, paired with his passion for innovation and growth, aligns well with our evolving organization. We are excited to continue growing UDA with this key addition to the team.”

Ellixson, who first joined UDA’s cooperative in 2017, in her newly expanded role will oversee legal operations, export logistics, people operations, corporate communications and sustainability.

She represents UDA by serving on a number of dairy boards and committees. Ellixson chairs for both the National Milk Producers Federation’s Environmental Committee and the International Dairy Foods Association’s Trade Policy Committee. Additionally, she is on the board of directors for the US Dairy Export Council. Ellixson recently championed UDA’s sustainability efforts and garnered support for the cooperative’s 2030 science-based sustainability goals.

She earned a juris doctorate from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s in finance from Arizona State University.

UDA has produced milk and dairy products for more than 60 years, and is a full-service dairy cooperative that sends its products throughout the world.