IDFA executive council names Matt Herrick as next CEO

USA – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has selected Matt Herrick to serve as the association’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Michael Dykes, D.V.M., following a decade of leadership.

Dykes will remain with IDFA through January 31, working closely with Herrick to ensure a smooth leadership transition before retiring at the end of the month.

Herrick returns to IDFA after serving as President and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

At IDFA, Herrick helped strengthen and modernize the association’s advocacy and public affairs capabilities, partnering with colleagues to introduce new digital engagement tools and revenue-generating programs while advancing major policy priorities affecting the industry.

He helped build IDFA’s grassroots advocacy network and state affairs capabilities, helped lead the association through major animal disease and other crisis events, and led advocacy campaigns that secured millions of dollars in federal funding for dairy processors and protected and expanded milk, cheese and yogurt in federal nutrition programs.

Herrick also established the IDFA Foundation, serving as its first executive director and putting in place its governance structure and independent board.

Under his leadership, the Foundation conducted successful annual fundraising campaigns and, through grants and dairy food donations, helped provide more than one million meals to people facing food insecurity.

“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,” said Herrick.

IDFA highlights global dairy trade barriers & urges diversification of USA export markets

In 2025, the association submitted formal comments to the Office of the USA Trade Representative (USTR) identifying key trade barriers affecting USA dairy exports.

The comments urge the Administration to take proactive decisive action to improve U.S. dairy’s global market access and competitiveness.

IDFA’s comments highlight persistent and emerging trade challenges in critical markets for U.S. dairy exporters, including Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Algeria, and the Dominican Republic.

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