Corey Scott Leads Dairy Management Inc. as New CEO
Corey Scott assumes the top leadership role at Dairy Management Inc. following the retirement of Barbara O'Brien.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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Corey Scott has officially begun her tenure as the president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. She succeeds Barbara O'Brien, who retired after a 25-year career with the organization.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as Dairy Management Inc. seeks to expand U.S. dairy demand through refined research and promotional strategies funded by thousands of industry participants. Scott aims to unify these efforts through new strategic priorities for the organization.
Dairy Management Inc. is supported by 23,000 dairy farmers and importers. The organization's previous leader, Barbara O'Brien, served for 25 years with the group, including five years in the top executive role.
The players
Corey Scott
She is the new president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. who is focused on increasing national dairy consumption.
Barbara O'Brien
She is the former president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. who retired after 25 years of total service.
Dairy Management Inc.
It is a national organization funded by dairy farmers and importers that conducts research and marketing to promote U.S. dairy products.
The details
During the Joint Annual Meeting in Kissimmee, Florida, Scott outlined a goal to increase dairy consumption by one serving per person each day over the next three years. She also intends to ensure all funding participants can explain at least one specific benefit of checkoff spending.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Corey Scott began her tenure as president and CEO.
October 20-21, 2026: The Joint Annual Meeting occurred in Kissimmee, Florida.
Next three years: The designated timeline for Scott's new strategic goals.
Market Landscape
The 2026 Joint Annual Meeting served as the venue for announcing new leadership and strategic direction for the national dairy checkoff program. This transition marks a shift in executive vision as the organization positions itself to grow market share for U.S. dairy products.
The leadership change aims to influence the availability and promotion of dairy products across the country. Consumers may see shifts in marketing outreach and research initiatives as the new CEO implements her three-year plan to drive product demand.
The takeaway
The transition to a new CEO signals a focused push by the dairy industry to boost consumption through clearly defined outreach and education. Industry stakeholders should expect increased transparency regarding how checkoff funds are utilized to support dairy markets.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership, visit the People section.
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