SPRINGFIELD, MO. – The Dairy Products Institute of Texas inducted Hiland Dairy president Rick Beaman into its hall of fame during the institute’s annual convention in April.

Beaman became the president at Hiland Dairy in early 2023, and the company said he has been “instrumental in driving innovation and growth, championing sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of excellence throughout the company and its products.”

The company also said Beaman’s hall of fame induction “speaks volumes about his reputation and the high regard [in which] his peers and industry leaders hold him.”

A not-for-profit company that supports the dairy industry in Texas, the Dairy Products Institute of Texas created its hall of fame to honor industry professionals for their remarkable contributions and commitment to excellence.

“All of us at Hiland Dairy extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rick Beaman on this well deserved recognition,” said Shawn Pinon, senior vice president of Hiland Dairy. “We look forward to continuing to support his visionary leadership in the dairy industry.”

The company pointed out that the Hiland Dairy president joined his father, Ken Beaman, as a member of the hall of fame.

Hiland Dairy said the inductions show “the Beaman family’s significant contributions to the dairy sector and their longstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement in the state of Texas and the entire industry.”

Through his career in the food industry, Rick Beaman’s roles also have included time as executive vice president of Southern Foods, chief operating officer for Dean Foods’ western region, and president of dairy producer Lala US, Inc. He joined Hiland Dairy in 2012.

Dairy Products Institute of Texas members nominate potential hall of fame honorees, and inductees are chosen by the organization’s board of directors and executive committee.