The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today announced the appointment of Allison A. Thomas as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective August 25, 2025. Thomas will report directly to USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden.
In her role as COO, Thomas will serve as Harden’s strategic thought partner, oversee USDEC’s senior leadership team, and spearhead initiatives to accelerate growth, enhance operational performance, and drive innovation across the organization
“Allison brings an extraordinary breadth of experience in agricultural trade policy, international relations, and executive leadership,” said Harden. “With her deep expertise negotiating with foreign governments, leading complex teams, and driving results both domestically and abroad, she will be a tremendous asset to USDEC and the U.S. dairy industry.”
Thomas joins USDEC following a distinguished 25-year career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A member of the Senior Executive Service, Thomas, recently served as the Deputy Administrator for Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs at the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In that role, she led a team of 120 staff members, including 10 senior leaders, in working to create a trade-enabling environment for U.S. agricultural exports to thrive.
“I am honored to join USDEC to leverage my global affairs experience on behalf of USDEC member companies and the entire U.S. dairy industry,” said Thomas. "I look forward to bolstering opportunities that expand the global footprint for U.S. dairy while pursuing operational excellence.”
Thomas’s overall experience is exceptional, bringing both agricultural trade policy and operational expertise to USDEC. As the Deputy Administrator for Trade Policy, she led the implementation and execution of FAS’ trade policy goals and objectives which included addressing market access and trade barriers, monitoring and enforcing trade agreements and racking up a number of trade wins on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers.
She also worked closely with the National Security Council, U.S. Trade Representative, State Department, and other government agencies, as well as foreign counterparts, in safeguarding U.S. agricultural interests.
In addition, Thomas worked at the U.S. embassies in Canada, Kenya and Afghanistan representing U.S. agricultural interests.
