ELMHURST, IL – The American Dairy Products Institute® (ADPI®) is proud to announce Doug Wilke as the 2024 C. Earl Gray Award of Merit recipient. This award was established in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made a significant difference and positive impact in the processed dairy products industry.
Since 2017, Doug Wilke has served as the CEO of Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc., a privately owned dairy processing company headquartered in Milbank, South Dakota. Prior to joining Valley Queen, Doug worked for Foremost Farms USA for over 30 years in various management and leadership roles.
Doug remains a very active member of the dairy industry as a respected business leader and as an advocate for advances in consumer knowledge and the utilization of dairy ingredients and related products.
Doug’s service and dedication to the dairy industry is apparent by his numerous leadership activities and engagement roles in industry trade associations including ADPI®, IDFA and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
Doug’s involvement on the ADPI® Board of Directors began in 2007 and continues today. During his time on the board, Doug served on the Executive Committee, and held various officer positions culminating with the role of Chairman from 2017 to 2018, and then serving as Immediate Past Chair from 2018 to 2020.
ADPI® congratulated Doug Wilke on his accomplishments and achievements with this award during the 2024 ADPI/ABI Annual Conference on April 29 in Chicago, IL.