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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has named Andrew Jerome director, external and member communications, within the executive and strategic communications department. Jerome will manage IDFA’s communications, marketing and reputation management activities for IDFA members and the broader dairy and food industries. Jerome will report to Matt Herrick, senior vice president, executive and strategic communications.

Jerome joins IDFA from Michael Torrey Associates, where he served as director, providing policy and communications guidance and representation to food companies, trade associations, farm groups, and universities. He also led efforts to enhance the firm’s strategic communications efforts and business development.

Jerome previously served as the communications director for the National Farmers Union, where he oversaw the development and implementation of the organization’s external communication-related strategies, including media relations, digital media management, coalition communications coordination, event planning and coverage, and member outreach.

A native of Southern Maryland, he holds a degree in public relations with an emphasis on American politics and policy from West Virginia University.

“IDFA is focused on advocating to ensure America’s dairy companies and communities have the tools and resources they need to innovate and grow,” said Herrick. “I’m confident that Andrew’s experience and leadership will enhance our team’s ability to deliver that value to our members.”

"I am thrilled to join the IDFA team in pursuit of a better policy atmosphere for the dairy industry," said Jerome. "The future of dairy is bright, as IDFA members continue to be on the forefront of innovation, nutrition, and sustainability efforts. I look forward to working on their behalf to deliver value in partnership with IDFA’s high-performing team in the nation's capital."

IDFA deploys a combination of advocacy, education, and network-building to make a positive difference for the dairy industry. The association focuses on state and federal legislation and regulation that impacts members and their businesses, as well as policies and research that foster innovation and expand markets for dairy foods. As a knowledge hub for dairy, IDFA delivers data, research and analysis that helps dairy companies and professionals be leaders in business innovation, corporate responsibility and market development.

Jerome began in his new role on Monday, Feb. 3.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $159 billion in wages and $620 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers. Together, they represent approximately 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world.