American Dairy Association North East Announces New CEO

American Dairy Association North East (ADANE), representing 9,000 northeast dairy farmers, announced John Chrisman is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the organization. As CEO, Chrisman will lead the organization to fulfill its mission to promote dairy and serve as the Association's key liaison with industry and government leaders.

Prior to being named CEO, Chrisman held senior leadership positions in Retail Marketing, Producer Relations, School Marketing, Processor Relations, and Hunger Relief. His passion for the dairy industry extends beyond the job. He believes the relationships he developed within agriculture and associated industries over the past 21 years shaped him into the person he is today.

"Over the years, I have performed a wide range of functions, which allowed me to work one-on-one with dairy farmers as well as consumers. I believe my experience and insight will be key to elevating our programs in retail, schools, broadcast media, and digital marketing to meet demand of consumers," says Chrisman.

"With more than two decades of experience leading multiple departments in dairy promotion, John is perfectly suited for this new challenge," says ADANE Board President Audrey Donahoe. "We are thrilled to have someone with such knowledge and commitment to dairy farmers lead the organization into the future."

On representing the 9,000 dairy farms in ADANE's region, Chrisman says he is humbled. "There are no better or harder working people than the dairy farmers who I will represent. I am both honored and privileged to have been chosen and trusted to lead the organization on their behalf."

Chrisman joined dairy promotion in 2001 with American Dairy Association Mideast in Ohio and continued his career with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program based in Philadelphia. These two groups merged with American Dairy Association & Dairy Council in Syracuse, New York, in 2016 to become American Dairy Association North East.

Chrisman holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, Pa. He will start in his new position as CEO of ADANE on June 2. Chrisman succeeds Rick Naczi who is retiring after 32 years of leading the regional dairy checkoff promotion group.