Grand Prairie-based Dairy MAX, a regional dairy council representing more than 900 dairy farmers across eight states, has named Keira Lombardo of Southlake as its new chief executive officer.
Dairy Max said that Lombardo is an accomplished agricultural leader with more than 20 years of experience. She’ll begin her tenure at Dairy MAX on Dec. 2, transitioning into the CEO role with the retirement of Mike Konkle, who has served as CEO since 2007.
“Under Mike’s guidance, Dairy MAX has flourished, expanding our reach and impact for dairy farmers across the region. Keira brings a wealth of experience to Dairy MAX, with a passion for farmers, sustainability and agriculture,” Dairy MAX Board Chair Mary Kraft, CEO of Kraft Family Dairies, said in a statement.
Advocating for dairy farmers
Most recently, Lombardo was chief administrative officer at Smithfield Foods, a global food and agriculture company and leader in pork production. In that role, she oversaw a broad range of functions, including corporate communications, government affairs, sustainability, investor relations and human resources.
“I’m honored to serve as the next CEO of Dairy MAX,” Lombardo said in a statement. “I have a deep respect for the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers, and I am passionate about ensuring the continued success of this vital industry. I look forward to working with the talented Dairy MAX team to champion dairy, advocate for our farmers and connect with consumers across the region.”
Dairy Max said that Lombardo embodies a people-powered approach to leadership via her commitment to advancing sustainability and social impact within the food and agriculture space. It said her adaptable leadership style fosters a high-performing team of inclusivity and belonging, where individuals are empowered to drive meaningful change.
“Keira’s proven track record of success in building strong relationships, navigating complex issues and fostering growth aligns with Dairy MAX’s mission,” said Barb O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. “Her extensive experience in the food and agriculture industry, coupled with her leadership skills, make her the right fit for the Dairy MAX team.”
Dairy MAX was founded more than 40 years ago and is one of the leading regional dairy councils in the United States, representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states: Texas, Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
A nonprofit, Dairy MAX is part of a nationwide effort to promote American agriculture, support dairy farming and drive impact for every dairy farmer. The organization operates five audience outreach programs: business development, consumer marketing, health and wellness, industry image and relations, and school marketing.
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