Center for Dairy Excellence Seeking Two Board of Director Nominations

Nominations Are Open for a Western PA Dairy Producer and Retail Representative

The Center for Dairy Excellence Board of Directors is requesting nominations to fill two open board positions. The available positions are for a dairy producer from the Western Pennsylvania region and a dairy retail representative. After reaching the two-consecutive term maximum set by the organization’s bylaws, both Steve Paxton, a dairy farmer from Grove City, Pa., and Andrea Karns of Karns Quality Foods in Mechanicsburg will vacate their positions.

“Steve and Andrea’s leadership and active involvement within our Board of Directors have guided the Center’s work to support Pennsylvania dairy producers,” said Phoebe Bitler, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Center’s Board and staff have valued their willingness to serve the dairy industry and offer their input and expertise over the years.”

The Center’s Board of Directors must agree to serve a three-year term and may be re-elected for an additional term. The 17-member board guides the work of the Center for Dairy Excellence, a non-profit organization that fosters collaboration across the industry and provides resources to strengthen Pennsylvania dairy farms.

“As we seek nominations for a dairy producer to represent the Western region of the state, I encourage you to consider this opportunity to help shape the direction of the dairy industry,” Bitler added. “We are also seeking nominations for a retail representative to help offer perspective on dairy’s impact in the marketplace and guide the overall mission of the Center.”

The Center’s Board of Directors was developed to represent all facets of the dairy industry, with seats for dairy farmers and representatives from the allied industry, marketing cooperatives, retail sector, processor sector, and veterinary community.  There is also a representative from the Penn State College of Ag Sciences Extension Dairy team, from the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and the current Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture serving on the board.

The individuals selected to the Center’s board may be asked to serve on a committee. The board meets four times a year, with committee meetings held once or twice a year. Board members are elected by the current Board of Directors during the annual board meeting, scheduled for December 7, 2022.

To nominate a retail representative or a dairy producer to represent the Western region, please send the individual’s name, contact information, and a one-paragraph statement about his or her background to Jayne Sebright, Executive Director, via email at jsebright@centerfordairyexcellence.org. Individuals may nominate themselves. Nominations may also be submitted by mail to Center for Dairy Excellence, Attn: Jayne Sebright, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

All nominations should be received by the Center for Dairy Excellence no later than August 15, 2022. For more information, call 717-346-0849.