MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today announced the 21 members of its Board of Directors who begin new terms July 1. In elections held this past April, Steve Bechel of Eau Galle Cheese was again selected to serve as WCMA President.
“It’s a special honor to serve as the president of WCMA again during a time of so much growth,” Bechel said. “With more creative new programming and resources in the works than ever before, it’s an exciting time to be part of this valuable organization.”
Doug Wilke of Valley Queen Cheese will continue to serve on WCMA’s executive leadership team as First Vice President, with Mike Sipple of Agropur remaining in the role of Second Vice President. Past President Kim Heiman of Nasonville Dairy will rejoin the executive team as Treasurer, while Chris Renard of Renard’s Cheese will continue in the role of Secretary.
Greg Alberts of industry supplier company Kelley Supply, Inc. and Declan Roche of dairy cooperative Foremost Farms USA will join the Board of Directors for the first time. Past WCMA President Steve Stettler of Decatur Dairy will also return as a Board member this year.
“WCMA’s member companies and cooperatives are at the core of everything we do. Their ideas and feedback push us to strive for excellence and think outside the box to support the continued growth of the dairy processing industry,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “We’re grateful to those who have devoted their time to lead the organization as Directors, and we look forward to working with this year’s new and returning Board members.”
Directors who have served their maximum terms include Graham Archer of Tetra Pak, Gary Gosda of Schuman Cheese – Lake Country Dairy, Linda Lee of Prairie Farms Dairy’s Cheese Division, and Tayt Wuethrich of Grassland Dairy Products.
WCMA membership is open to dairy processors, manufacturers, marketers, and suppliers nationwide. The next two-year membership term begins July 1. More information is available at WisCheeseMakers.org.
