Chief Executive Officer

Location: Draper, UT or Meridian, ID

Organization Overview

Dairy West represents dairy farm families in Idaho and Utah to promote the dairy industry and products locally, nationally, and globally. We are passionate about what we do, every day, because dairy farmers play a critical role in providing the world with safe and nutritious food. From forging industry partnerships to hosting community events, Dairy West seeks to deliver impactful information and experiences that can help secure a brighter future for us all. We thrive on big ideas and strive to create an environment in which the dairy community is a positive change-maker. Our goal is to have the world see dairy the way we see it: as a key ingredient in the health and prosperity of our planet.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Dairy West Board of Directors, and secondarily to the Idaho Dairy Products Commission and the Utah Dairy Commission boards, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is accountable for preserving, protecting, and enhancing the resources entrusted in the leader’s care for the long-term success of the organization. The CEO is responsible for setting the vision, making certain that the mission is carried out, managing the operations of the organization, and ensuring compliance with the charter of dairy checkoff and all federal, state, and local laws. The CEO leads the organization’s employees and reports / answers to the Dairy West and State Commission Boards of Directors.

It is the CEO’s responsibility to foster a working environment that allows Dairy West staff to feel that our external brand representation is a direct reflection of our internal culture and organizational values. The CEO inspires action across Dairy West while enhancing trust and strengthening relationships. The CEO exhibits behaviors that are expected of all Dairy West employees, including the highest levels of job performance and professional conduct. Additionally, the CEO embraces diverse responsibilities, is open to regular feedback, and adapts to change with ease and enthusiasm.

PRIORITIES

• Establish rapport, trust, and positive working relationships with all key stakeholders, including the Board, staff, processors/ industry partners, other states and regions, elected officials, and community partners.

• Increase farmer investor confidence by showing a return on investment (ROI) of the dairy farmers’ checkoff dollars.

• Continue efforts to enhance consumer trust and drive demand for dairy products both domestically and globally.

• Champion effective marketing and brand storytelling, ensuring their message resonates powerfully and establishes Dairy as an industry leader.

• Ensure products produced by processors in Idaho and Utah are effectively promoted to facilitate continued processor expansion.

• Seek opportunities to enhance mutually beneficial relationships with other agricultural commodities and commissions in the region.

• Position Dairy West as a Partner of Choice, known for its approachability and collaboration across states and regions, as well as with community partners.

• Ensure the continued professional development and retention of staff at all levels.

• Serve as a catalyst for greater cohesiveness in the dairy industry, seeking stronger partnerships between promotion and policy, in addition to other industry partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the lead steward and primary brand ambassador of the Dairy West organization, its Board of Directors, and its people.

• Establishes and carries out the vision and direction for the organization in alignment with the Board of Directors and the charter of the dairy checkoff program.

• Builds a strong commitment to Dairy West’s vision and core values among staff, Board

of Directors, dairy farmers, and industry influencers.

• Creates clear policies and processes and holds team members accountable for consistent adherence.

• Builds and maintains confidence in the Board of Directors, provides timely Board communication, coordinates and manages Board meetings, and responds to Board input.

• Makes decisions to fulfill the mission of inspiring trust and building demand for dairy.

• Ensures all aspects of the operational success of Dairy West and the partner State Dairy Commissions.

• Assesses risks to the organization and ensures they are monitored and minimized.

• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and the United States Department of Agriculture Ag Marketing Services (USDA AMS) rules.

• Oversees the budget and financials in close coordination with the Finance team and Board of Directors.

• Leads the team to develop and execute a relevant and robust strategic plan.

• Develops a team of confident, well-recognized leaders according to organizational leadership and growth and development philosophies.

• Provides coaching, mentoring, recommendations, feedback, and support to team members across the organization.

• Serves as a leader within the industry by being well-informed on industry trends, issues, and initiatives and by staying current on market innovations.

• Acts as a primary spokesperson for the organization.

• Fosters and cultivates relationships with industry partners and influencers on behalf of regional dairy farm families.

• Leads the region in times of crisis.

• Performs other duties as necessary.

EXPECTATIONS

• Reflects the behaviors associated with Dairy West’s core values of trust, action, and stewardship.

• Works collaboratively to achieve success.

• Demonstrates a mindset of service and helpfulness to others.

• Shows a propensity to be action-oriented and appreciates a fast-paced, variable work environment.

• Shows respect for others and has caring, direct conversations.

• Builds trusting relationships both within and outside of the Dairy West organization.

• Clearly communicates the value of checkoff and our programming.

• Executes all job functions with a commitment to excellence.

• Proactively offers solution-oriented innovation.

• Prioritizes and manages workload effectively.

• Keeps the farmer investment top of mind, always.

• Takes risk in pursuit of excellence.

• Demonstrates a high level of curiosity and willingness to pursue professional development.

• Takes ownership for individual success within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) plus 15 years of experience in a field that supports the responsibilities of the position, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of five years of experience in senior management and supervisory experience required.

• Results-driven personality with a skill for leading and motivating others.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.

• Ability to prioritize, delegate and oversee a multitude of divisions.

• Ability to build consensus and relationships.

• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.

For more details and confidential inquiries please contact:

Fred Pabst, Partner / Fred@HerdFreedHartz.com