The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has selected Matt Herrick to serve as its next president and chief executive officer, marking a strategic homecoming for the experienced food and agriculture executive who previously spent more than seven years building the association’s advocacy and communications capabilities.
Herrick will assume leadership on Jan. 1, 2027, succeeding Michael Dykes, D.V.M., who is retiring after a decade of transformative leadership that positioned IDFA as one of Washington’s most influential food industry associations.
Proven Leader Returns
Herrick brings a unique combination of insider knowledge and fresh perspective to the role. During his previous tenure at IDFA, where he rose to executive vice president and chief impact officer, he helped architect many of the programs that define the association today — from grassroots advocacy networks to crisis management protocols that guided the industry through major challenges.
“Matt is an exceptional leader who understands IDFA, our members and the opportunities ahead for U.S. dairy,” says Daragh Maccabee, chair of the IDFA executive council and chief executive of Idaho Milk Products. “He stood out for his strategic vision, his proven ability to lead complex organizations and deliver results and his deep understanding of food and agriculture.”
Most recently, Herrick served as president and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), where he strengthened the organization’s Washington presence, grew membership and launched new revenue-generating initiatives that improved long-term financial sustainability.
Built on a Strong Foundation
The leadership transition comes at a time of significant strength for IDFA. Under Dykes’ leadership, the association has secured major victories for dairy processors, including:
- Millions of dollars in federal funding for dairy processors
- Protection and expansion of milk, cheese and yogurt in federal nutrition programs
- Enhanced trade and international market access
- Strengthened school meals and nutrition policy outcomes
“Michael has positioned IDFA exceptionally well for the future,” Maccabee says. “The association is financially strong, highly respected and influential in Washington, deeply engaged across the dairy supply chain and supported by an outstanding team.”
Dykes, who recruited Herrick to IDFA in 2019, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to build on that momentum.
“Matt made an enormous contribution to this organization during his years here,” Dykes says. “He is strategic, creative, driven and deeply committed to getting results for members. I am confident he will build on our momentum and make this organization even stronger.”
Track Record of Impact
Herrick’s accomplishments during his first IDFA tenure demonstrate his capacity to drive meaningful change:
- Modernized advocacy: Introduced digital engagement tools and expanded grassroots advocacy networks that amplified member voices in Washington
- Crisis leadership: Helped guide the industry through major animal disease events and other critical challenges
- Foundation building: Established the IDFA Foundation, serving as its first executive director and helping provide more than one million meals to people facing food insecurity
- State engagement: Built state affairs capabilities that extended IDFA’s influence beyond the federal level
Bipartisan Leadership in Polarized Times
In an era of deep political division, Herrick’s bipartisan credentials stand out. A three-time presidential appointee, he has held senior positions at USDA and the U.S. Agency for International Development across both Democratic and Republican administrations.
This experience working across party lines has shaped his ability to build coalitions around complex food and agriculture issues — a critical skill as the dairy industry navigates an increasingly politicized regulatory environment.
His career also includes global leadership roles at the Rockefeller Foundation and Oxfam America, as well as experience in agricultural trade, exports and international development.
An Optimistic Vision for Dairy’s Future
Herrick expressed enthusiasm about returning to lead an industry he knows well and believes in deeply.
“Returning to lead the International Dairy Foods Association is a tremendous honor and a true homecoming,” Herrick says. “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.”
He outlined an ambitious agenda focused on meeting growing global demand for dairy nutrition while strengthening the association’s advocacy effectiveness.
“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 says.
Smooth Transition Planned
To ensure continuity, Dykes will remain with IDFA through Jan. 31, working closely with Herrick during the transition period before retiring at month’s end.
The collaborative handoff reflects both leaders’ commitment to maintaining IDFA’s momentum and protecting member interests during the leadership change.
What This Means for the Dairy Industry
Herrick inherits an association positioned for continued influence and impact. IDFA represents an industry that supports more than 3 million jobs, generates $198 billion in wages and creates $779 billion in overall economic impact.
The association’s diverse membership — ranging from multinational corporations to single-plant operations, from dairy companies and cooperatives to retailers and suppliers — will benefit from Herrick’s experience navigating complex stakeholder relationships and building consensus around shared priorities.
As the dairy industry faces evolving challenges around sustainability, nutrition policy, trade, consumer preferences and regulatory pressures, Herrick’s combination of strategic vision, government experience and dairy industry expertise positions him to guide IDFA and its members through the opportunities and uncertainties ahead.
