I’ve spent much of my career in cooperatives, working closely with farmers and Boards of Directors who taught me the importance of transparency, fairness, and staying connected to the people who make up the heart of a cooperative. Joining Maola in 2018 gave me an even deeper appreciation for the incredible dedication of dairy farmers. I’ve always admired hard work, but meeting our farmers has been truly inspiring. Their commitment to feeding our communities motivates me every day and serves as a constant reminder of why this work matters.
One of my first priorities as CEO is leading the RISE strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to guide Maola’s growth through 2029. I believe we all perform better when we have a clear goal in front of us, and RISE provides exactly that—a focused, data-driven roadmap that connects us all to shared success. It’s not just about financial targets, though those are important. It’s about ensuring Maola’s long-term health, staying true to our mission, and working together to strengthen our cooperative.
Sustainability is another area where I’m eager to build on our efforts. Maola has already adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, but what excites me most is how we’re turning those commitments into action. From funding farmer-led sustainability projects to improving operational efficiency, we’re showing that sustainability isn’t just a talking point—it’s part of who we are. Consumers trust us because we’re genuine in our efforts, and that trust is something we will continue to earn every day.
Of course, the dairy industry isn’t without its challenges. Global market changes, local pressures on family farms, and increasing demands for sustainability all impact us. But I firmly believe that by supporting one another and staying true to our values, we can navigate these obstacles together. Whether it’s through partnerships with customers like Starbucks, creating innovative programs to boost farm profitability, or partnering with environmental groups like Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, we’re committed to helping our members thrive. And as we grow, we’ll do so with care, preserving the identity and community ties that make Maola special.
For me, leadership is about empowering others. Some of my most rewarding moments have been watching people overcome challenges and succeed beyond their own expectations. My goal is to create opportunities for everyone at Maola to excel—whether you’re in a corporate office, on the production floor, or driving one of our trucks. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who gave me the space to learn and grow, and I want to pay that forward by supporting and trusting our team to do their best work.
As I step into this role, I want to thank our team for everything they do to make the Maola cooperative incredible. Our collective efforts—our collaboration—are what make this organization strong. With our shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, I know Maola has a bright future ahead. Let’s build it together.
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