CDIC’s founding executive director, Lagrange will help guide the transition into 2027.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) today announced that Veronique Lagrange, Executive Director of the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC), will retire at the end of 2026 after more than six years at the helm. Lagrange shepherded CDIC from its creation through a period of significant growth and change, establishing the organization as a catalyst for innovation, technical development, workforce education and collaboration across California’s dairy industry.
Under Lagrange, CDIC grew into a catalyst for innovation, education, technical assistance and collaboration throughout California’s dairy industry. During her tenure, CDIC expanded its training and workforce programs, supported new product and process development, and connected companies with academic expertise. She was also a driving force in supporting the creation of the Pacific Coast Coalition and spearheaded efforts to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for California through it.
Lagrange leaves CDIC well positioned for continued growth and impact. To ensure continuity of the organization’s programs, partnerships and activities, she will remain with CMAB through the first quarter of 2027 to support her successor.
“Veronique built the CDIC from the ground up, and in just six years it has become an essential resource for the California dairy industry and beyond,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Her technical expertise, global perspective and gift for bringing people together have connected our processors and farmers with the research, training and partnerships they need to compete and grow. We are deeply grateful for her vision and dedication, and for her commitment to a smooth transition, and we look forward to building on the foundation she created.”
“What an honor it has been to serve California dairy farmers and our entire dairy community,” said Lagrange. “I am incredibly grateful for the support of the partners on our Steering Committee, our engaged CMAB Board members, and the scientists, processors, industry leaders and collaborators across the supply chain who have shared this journey with me. Together, we have demonstrated the tremendous potential of California dairy to innovate, adapt and create new value. And this is just the beginning!”
Looking ahead, Lagrange expressed confidence that CDIC and CMAB will continue helping California dairy capitalize on the many opportunities before the industry.
Before joining CMAB, Lagrange worked for the American Dairy Products Institute, leading initiatives like The Strong Inside, which focused on the power of dairy proteins. She also served more than 20 years at the U.S. Dairy Export Council where she worked with dairy producers and processors in a range of strategic growth and technical roles, working in more than 25 global markets.
Created by the CMAB, the CDIC is a virtual organization that coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals guided by a Steering Committee of leading industry organizations. Information about the CDIC and its programs is available at CDIC.net.
The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes Dairy Farmers of America, California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in producing quality milk. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Pinterest.
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