The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has appointed Matt Herrick as its next president and chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition for one of the leading organisations representing the United States dairy processing and marketing industry. Announced on October 21, 2026, the appointment will take effect on January 1, 2027, when Herrick succeeds Michael Dykes, D.V.M., who has led the association for a decade.
Herrick will return to IDFA after serving as president and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Dykes will remain with IDFA through January 31, 2027, to support the transition before retiring at the end of the month.
The appointment comes as the U.S. dairy industry continues to focus on policy advocacy, market access, nutrition programmes and opportunities to expand domestic and international demand for dairy products.
Matt Herrick Brings Extensive Food and Agriculture Experience
Herrick previously spent more than seven years on IDFA’s executive team, ultimately serving as executive vice president and chief impact officer. In that position, he oversaw strategy relating to policy, advocacy, communications and organisational impact.
During his earlier tenure, Herrick helped strengthen IDFA’s public affairs capabilities, develop grassroots advocacy networks and expand its state-level engagement. He also contributed to campaigns addressing issues affecting dairy processors and the inclusion of milk, cheese and yogurt in federal nutrition programmes.
His experience extends beyond the dairy sector. Herrick has held senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development, serving as a presidential appointee under multiple administrations. His professional background includes agricultural trade, exports, international agricultural development, food and nutrition policy, crisis communications and public affairs.
At IBWA, he led advocacy, membership, financial and organisational strategy. His work included strengthening the association’s engagement in Washington, introducing public affairs initiatives and developing revenue-generating programmes.
Leadership Transition at a Critical Time for U.S. Dairy
IDFA’s Executive Council selected Herrick following a comprehensive leadership search. Daragh Maccabee, chair of the Executive Council and chief executive of Idaho Milk Products, said Herrick’s understanding of the association, its members and the broader food and agriculture sector would help the organisation build on its existing position.
Maccabee also credited outgoing CEO Michael Dykes with strengthening IDFA’s financial position, membership and influence in Washington. Under Dykes’ leadership, the association has worked on policy priorities involving nutrition programmes, school meals, international trade and market access.
The transition will give Herrick an opportunity to continue these initiatives while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities for dairy processors, cooperatives and marketers.
Advocacy and Industry Representation Remain Central
IDFA represents companies across the U.S. dairy manufacturing and marketing supply chain, including dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers and suppliers. Its membership spans businesses ranging from multinational corporations to single-plant operators.
The association states that the wider U.S. dairy industry supports more than three million jobs, generates $198 billion in wages and contributes $779 billion in overall economic impact.
Policy advocacy is particularly important to this sector because government decisions can influence dairy product labelling, nutrition programmes, international trade, market access and the operating environment for manufacturers. IDFA also represents businesses producing milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cultured dairy products and dairy ingredients.
Herrick’s previous work at IDFA included establishing the IDFA Foundation, where he served as the first executive director. The foundation developed its governance structure and independent board and conducted fundraising campaigns. Through grants and dairy food donations, it helped provide more than one million meals to people experiencing food insecurity.
Building the Next Chapter for the Dairy Industry
In announcing his return, Herrick described the appointment as a homecoming and highlighted the role of dairy processors, cooperatives and farmers in the U.S. food system. He said he intended to help advance advocacy, growth and organisational effectiveness while supporting demand for nutritious dairy products.
Dykes welcomed Herrick’s appointment, citing his previous contributions to IDFA and his familiarity with the association’s membership and priorities. Their planned transition period is intended to support continuity as the organisation prepares for new leadership.
Herrick’s appointment comes at a time when dairy businesses are navigating changing consumer expectations, evolving nutrition policies, international market opportunities and the need to maintain competitiveness across product categories.
As he takes over in January 2027, the industry’s attention will be on how IDFA continues its policy engagement, supports dairy processors and marketers, and advances the interests of businesses across the U.S. dairy supply chain. The leadership change represents both a continuation of existing priorities and an opportunity to shape the association’s future direction.
