LA FARGE, WIS. — In a historic move for Organic Valley, the farmer-owned cooperative on March 19 announced the selection of its first female chief executive officer, Shawna Nelson.

The organic dairy and food manufacturer said Nelson will officially become its fourth CEO on March 28, close to 20 years after she first began contributing to the cooperative as an intern.

Organic Valley’s leadership transition came as outgoing CEO Jeff Frank left to take over as CEO at Monogram Foods.

A farmer and board president for Organic Valley, Dave Hardy said the cooperative is optimistic about what it will accomplish with Nelson as CEO.

"The board chose Shawna because of her demonstrated strong leadership, understanding of the farmer membership and connection to the employees,” Hardy said. “She has shown dedication to the mission and to organic food, and with her vision will lead our farmer-owned cooperative forward."

Organic Valley described Nelson as an agricultural veteran and community advocate who already has contributed significantly to its growth, and demonstrated success in cross-departmental strategy, as well as growth at every step of her career.

An intern at Organic Valley in 2005, Nelson has since taken on roles in marketing, sales analysis, recruitment, employee relations, field operations and dairy pool management. Those who have worked with her at the cooperative said Nelson “excelled and deepened her understanding of cooperative structure and strategy” over the past two decades.

Nelson said she was “deeply honored” to take over as CEO and build on the momentum the cooperative created with Frank leading it the past two years.

"The dedication and passion of our employees, board and farmer member-owners inspire me every day,” Nelson said. “I look forward to working in collaboration across the cooperative to build on our successes and continue to serve our mission now and for generations to come."

She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Frank came to Organic Valley as its CEO in January 2023. The cooperative said his time leading it was highlighted by emphasizing organic family farm pay prices, 50% debt reduction, driving higher than anticipated net income performance and achieving the No. 1 spot in the organic dairy category.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together," Frank said. "I'm leaving humbled by the work we've done, grateful for the relationships I've made and with a greater appreciation for the organic movement and organic family farms."

Said Hardy: "Jeff's achievements were remarkable and we are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.”