Roberta Wagner Will Retire From Dairy Association
The dairy regulatory leader plans to step down from her role in early 2027.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
The International Dairy Foods Association announced that Roberta Wagner will retire from her position as senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs on February 15, 2027. Following her departure, Samuel Alcaine will assume the role while Michelle Albee Matto receives a promotion.
Why it matters
These leadership changes represent a significant transition for the organization that represents the United States dairy manufacturing and marketing industry. Wagner departs after contributing to the group since joining in 2023, following a long career in government and industry advocacy.
Wagner concludes a career spanning 4 decades, which includes 25 years spent serving within the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The players
Roberta Wagner
She serves as the senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association.
Samuel Alcaine
He is the incoming senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs who will succeed Wagner.
Michelle Albee Matto
She serves as vice president of regulatory affairs and chief nutrition scientist for the organization.
International Dairy Foods Association
This trade group represents the interests of dairy manufacturing and marketing industry members across the United States.
The details
Roberta Wagner previously held positions at the Consumer Brands Association before joining the International Dairy Foods Association. Her successor, Samuel Alcaine, will step into his new role on February 16, 2027, while Michelle Albee Matto continues her work as vice president, regulatory affairs and chief nutrition scientist.
Timeline
Roberta Wagner joined the association in 2023.
The personnel changes were officially announced on October 6, 2026.
Wagner will retire from her position effective February 15, 2027.
Samuel Alcaine begins his new role on February 16, 2027.
Market Landscape
This transition follows a pattern set by the broader shift in regulatory leadership across food industry trade associations as veterans of federal agencies move into private sector roles. It highlights the continued importance of regulatory expertise in managing the complex policy environment facing dairy manufacturers.
These leadership changes are primarily internal management transitions and do not result in immediate changes to retail pricing or product availability for dairy consumers. Clients and industry partners will likely experience continuity in regulatory affairs due to the planned, long-lead transition timeline.
The takeaway
The planned transition demonstrates the importance of long-term succession planning in high-level regulatory roles within industry associations. Organizations can minimize operational disruption by providing a multi-month period for new leadership to integrate before the departure of veteran staff.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest People movements within the industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Feedstuffs.
