Passionate about connecting consumers to agriculture, Denise Skidmore is currently the Director of Education and Public Relations for Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. in Hilmar, California. She oversees strategic public communications and media relations along with the California Visitor Center. Skidmore also represents Hilmar on various committees for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy helping to guide dairy industry sustainability. Additionally, she coordinates the company’s annual sustainability report, leads crisis communications preparedness, and manages the Visitor Center’s social and web presence.
A Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Class 2 graduate, Skidmore has first-hand experience with Holstein Foundation programs. She also served on the YDLI advisory committee for 17 years.
“I think the greatest opportunity for the Holstein Foundation is to continue to strengthen the amazing programs, like YDLI and Dairy Bowl and expand the reach of opportunities for youth,” Skidmore shares. “I look forward to working with the wonderful people associated with the Holstein Foundation and involved in the dairy industry.”
Skidmore’s passion for working with dairy youth is evident, as she facilitates a large 4-H communications group of 34 members and spends many evenings listening to practice speeches from FFA students and 4-H members. She is also involved with the Merced chapter of California Women for Agriculture and serves on the board for the Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation.
Skidmore has a M.A. Instructional Systems from CSU, Long Beach and B. S. in Agriculture Education from CSU, Fresno. Denise and her husband Scott have adult twin children.
For more information about the Holstein Foundation and the programs offered, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org.
