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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has appointed Matt Herrick as its next president and chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2027.
Herrick, currently president and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), will succeed Michael Dykes, who is retiring after a decade at the helm of IDFA.
Dykes will remain with the association until 31 January 2027 to support the leadership transition.
Herrick returns to IDFA after previously spending more than seven years on its executive team, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief impact officer. During his tenure, he oversaw policy, advocacy, communications and strategic initiatives, helping to strengthen the association's influence within the US dairy industry.
He also played a role in expanding IDFA's grassroots advocacy network and state affairs capabilities, as well as leading campaigns to secure federal funding for dairy processors and protect dairy products in federal nutrition programmes.
Herrick established the IDFA Foundation, serving as its first executive director. Under his leadership, the foundation supported initiatives that helped provide more than one million meals to people experiencing food insecurity.
More recently, at IBWA, Herrick has overseen advocacy, membership and organisational strategy, introducing new public affairs initiatives and strengthening the association's financial position.
Daragh Maccabee, chair of the IDFA Executive Council and CEO of Idaho Milk Products, said: "Matt is an exceptional leader who understands IDFA, our members and the opportunities ahead for US dairy".
He added that Herrick's strategic vision, leadership experience and understanding of the food and agriculture sectors made him a strong candidate to build on the association's progress.
Herrick added: "Returning to lead the International Dairy Foods Association is a tremendous honour and a true homecoming. Having spent years working alongside the dedicated processors, cooperatives and farmers who make American dairy an economic engine and a nutritional cornerstone, I have boundless respect for the IDFA board, our members and our exceptional staff."
"I am thrilled to rejoin this community at such a pivotal time to help meet the world’s growing demand for wholesome dairy nutrition. Together, we will write an ambitious new chapter of advocacy, growth and effectiveness – building on the inspiring, optimistic legacy of my friend and mentor, Michael Dykes.”
Herrick brings more than two decades of experience across the food and agriculture industries, government and public affairs. He has held senior positions at the US Department of Agriculture and the US Agency for International Development, serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
His previous experience also includes communications and public affairs roles at the Rockefeller Foundation and Oxfam America, alongside work in agricultural trade, international development and food policy.
Dykes, who recruited Herrick to IDFA in 2019, welcomed the appointment, highlighting his previous contributions to the organisation.
"He is strategic, creative, driven and deeply committed to getting results for members," Dykes said. "He knows IDFA, knows our members and knows this industry, and I am confident he will build on our momentum and make this organisation even stronger."
