Center For Dairy Excellence Hires New Employee for Dairy Policy and Industry Relations

McLaughlin Joins Staff to Support Dairy Farmers and Next Generation of Dairy

The Center for Dairy Excellence has named LeeAnn McLaughlin the Dairy Policy and Industry Relations Manager to help provide opportunities and resources to dairy farmers who work with the Center for Dairy Excellence. McLaughlin will also support the growth of the Dairy Excellence Foundation, a private 501C3 charitable organization supported by the Center team. 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.

“LeeAnn’s passion for the dairy industry combined with her strong background in building relationships and understanding public policy will be incredibly beneficial to the Center and the Foundation as we work to grow our programming and our reach,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director for the Center and Foundation. “We are excited to have her join our team as an advocate for dairy and our next generation.” 

McLaughlin is a seasoned professional with a background in policy and grassroots organizing. A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Animal Science, she is dedicated to agriculture and fostering connections within the community, both personally and professionally. Outside the professional sphere, McLaughlin operates a dairy operation in Perry County, Pennsylvania, alongside her husband, Cole and son, Kase.

“I am thrilled to join a team known for setting the gold standard in supporting Pennsylvania dairy. My passion aligns perfectly with the hard-working culture here at the Center,” McLaughlin shared.

“I am motivated by my son’s endearing ambition to be a “farmer like Daddy” when he grows up. His dreams fuel my commitment to the Center for Dairy Excellence and Dairy Excellence Foundation, where I aspire to create an environment that supports his dreams and fosters a broader culture of respect and care for land, cattle, and farmers alike,” she added.

In addition to McLaughlin, seven 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; 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