The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Holstein Foundation welcomes new trustee, Michele Ruby, of Scio, Oregon, to their board which oversees the direction of the Holstein Foundation's youth and young adult education and leadership development programs.

"Knowing the benefits of Holstein programs first hand and being a huge supporter of the Holstein Foundation for many years, I’m absolutely thrilled to join the board. I look forward to helping maintain and develop Foundation programs that serve a unique purpose to build future leaders and foster a continued love for the Holstein breed through youth activities and education,” says Ruby.

Michele is a communication consultant who has conducted communications, media, and crisis training nationwide. Ruby has worked in the communications field for over 20 years and was the director of communications for Tillamook Cheese, and later, the Dairy Farmers of Oregon. Ruby’s contributions to the communications field were recognized by National Milk Producers Federation when they selected her as the communicator of the year. In 2005, she launched Ruby-Do, Inc, a boutique communications firm in Portland, Ore., focusing on image-building campaigns, along with issues and crisis management services.

Michele’s family operates two farms in Oregon, which her husband, Kevin Wilson, manages for the Ruby family. Their kids enjoy showing locally and Michele has served on the Holstein Association USA Junior Advisory Committee, in addition to being a moderator at several National Holstein Dairy Bowl competitions. Ruby serves as the executive director of Oregon Ag Fest, an annual 2-day festival that helps over 20,000 urbanites gain a better understanding of where their food, fiber and flora come from.

For more information on the Holstein Foundation and the programs offered, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org , or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or jhoynoski@holstein.com.

The Holstein Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1989. It is headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, and shares office space with its parent organization, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

The Holstein Foundation's education, leadership development and outreach programs serve both youth and young adults across the country who are involved with all breeds of dairy cattle.