"Dave Thomas has the experience, skill, and character to lead the American Dairy Products Institute into a very bright future," says Greg Dryer, president of ADPI's board of directors. "We welcome Dave and look forward to his contribution to our mutual success."

Thomas joins ADPI with over 35 years of experience in the dairy industry, including operations management roles at Cream O'Weber, Gossner Foods and 15 years as president and CEO of Glanbia Foods. Thomas was instrumental in the growth of Glanbia Foods, as he spearheaded several investment and expansions phases, leading the company to become one of the largest producers of American-style cheese and nutritional products derived from whey in the country.

During the course of his career, Thomas also played a key role in helping to oversee one of the largest Cheddar cheese plants in the world with the construction of the Southwest Cheese Co. facility in Clovis, New Mexico.

In February 2009, Thomas put his experience and knowledge to work for himself as he developed his own business, Dairy Consulting LLC. This company provided consulting services to dairy processing companies, specializing in expansion and development projects, business planning and feasibility studies, as well as management training and process improvement.

Thomas stated, "I am excited about starting this new chapter in my career in the dairy industry and look forward to leading such a distinguished and vital organization as ADPI."

Thomas is a past president and board member of the Idaho Milk Processors Association and a former board member of ADPI and the International Dairy Foods Association.

 From the February 22, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.