Dairy Management Inc. Names Corey Scott as New CEO
Dairy farmers and importers should prepare for a potential shift in national checkoff marketing and research strategies.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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Corey Scott has assumed the roles of president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc., succeeding long-time leader Barbara O'Brien. The appointment marks a transition in the management of the organization, which oversees checkoff-funded marketing and research initiatives for over 23,000 dairy farmers and importers.
Why it matters
The change in leadership initiates a new strategic three-year mandate aimed at increasing domestic dairy consumption. For operators in the dairy industry, this shift signals a potential redirection in how checkoff resources are prioritized for national promotion and educational programming.
Dairy Management Inc. is supported by 23,000 dairy farmers and importers, and the new CEO has established a three-year timeline for her strategic goals. The transition follows the retirement of Barbara O'Brien, who served the organization for 25 years, including five years as president and CEO.
The players
Corey Scott
The newly appointed president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. who is focused on increasing dairy demand.
Barbara O'Brien
The retired executive who led Dairy Management Inc. for five years as CEO and served the organization for 25 years total.
Dairy Management Inc.
A national checkoff organization funded by dairy farmers and importers to conduct research, education, and marketing for U.S. dairy products.
The details
Dairy Management Inc. operates by partnering with state and regional checkoff teams to execute research, consumer education, and promotional campaigns. Under the new leadership of Corey Scott, the organization aims to boost per-capita consumption by one serving per day. Additionally, the new CEO intends to increase transparency for contributors by ensuring every farmer and importer can identify at least one specific value-driven output of their mandatory checkoff spending.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Corey Scott assumed the position of president and CEO.
October 20-21, 2026: Dairy Management Inc. held its Joint Annual Meeting in Kissimmee, Florida.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition dictates the operational direction of the national checkoff program authorized by the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983. The shift highlights the ongoing industry focus on utilizing collective funding to combat competitive pressures and stagnation in per-capita dairy sales.
Producers and dairy importers should monitor upcoming communications regarding shifts in checkoff spending priorities, as these will directly influence regional promotional support. Stakeholders should track the organization's progress toward the 'one serving per day' consumption goal to assess the efficacy of their mandatory contributions.
The takeaway
The arrival of a new CEO sets a new three-year trajectory for national dairy marketing and research spending. Operators should review their regional checkoff team's current reporting to identify new opportunities for alignment with these revised national consumption goals.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and organizational shifts, visit People.
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