Center Hires Summer Intern to Help Support PA Dairy Farmers & Develop Dairy Education Programs

Kennedy Joins the Center’s Team Supporting the Dairy Industry

The Center for Dairy Excellence has named Sara Kennedy, a rising junior at The Pennsylvania State University, as the 2025 education and communications intern. She joins a team of employees who provide resources and support to Pennsylvania dairy farms and develop dairy education programming for students of all ages.

Kennedy will begin her junior year of college this fall, where she is dual majoring in Animal Science and Nutritional Sciences at Penn State. She is active in Penn State Dairy Science Club and serves as the Assistant Show Manager for Spring Dairy Expo and Scrapbook Chair. She also plays the clarinet in the Penn State Blue Band and interns with Penn State Football Performance Nutrition.

“With dual majors in human nutrition and animal science, Sara’s background complements the work we do at the Center and at the Foundation well in supporting dairy farms and inspiring that next generation of dairy farmers, advocates and consumers,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director of the Center for Dairy Excellence.  “We are excited to have her creative energy and passion for the industry as part of our team this summer.”

As a seventh-generation dairy farmer, Kennedy grew up on a dairy farm where her family has about 25 Holsteins focusing on high-type genetics. They exhibit their animals at the local, state and national level, and Kennedy assisted her family in owning and operating Backroad Creamery for seven years. She gained hands-on experience in processing and marketing dairy products.

“I am excited to intern with the Center for Dairy Excellence this summer as I get the opportunity to experience a large variety of projects and activities. The Center is engaged in such a wide range of the dairy industry that I will get to explore many possibilities for my future,” Kennedy shared. “I’m looking forward to being a part of supporting both farmers and youth alike throughout the summer.”

In addition to Kennedy, eight other individuals serve the Center and the Foundation. Staff members include Sebright; Melissa Anderson, dairy programs and operations manager; Emily Barge, communications and marketing manager; Allen Hess, customer relations specialist; Valerie Mason-Faith, risk education program manager; Karen Purnell, accounting manager; Michelle Shearer, workforce development manager; and Brittany Snyder, dairy education program manager. Dr. Charlie Gardner and Dr. Brian Reed also serve as contractors for the Center, supporting dairy transition and transformation teams coordinated through the Center.

For more information about the Center, the Foundation and its staff, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org