MADISON, WIS. — The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) announced Nasonville Dairy master cheesemaker Kim Heiman was elected to once again serve as the trade association’s president.

Heiman previously took on the role of WCMA’s president from 2017-19. Once he returns to the role July 1, he will succeed Emmi Roth president and managing director Tim Omer, set to complete his two-year term.

WCMA shared that Heiman will lead its executive team, which also includes first vice president Jeff Gentine, Masters Gallery Foods; second vice president Mat Bartkowiak, Nelson-Jameson; treasurer Betsy Erdelyi, BMO US; and secretary Chris Roelli, Roelli Cheese Co.

Additionally, WCMA members elected new industry leaders to join its board of directors: Gustavo Badino of BelGioioso Cheese, Gloria Joseph of Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, and Matt Winsand of Burnett Dairy Cooperative.

WCMA also noted Doug Simon, Cheese Merchants of America; and John Freeman, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery; will join the board to replace open positions.

The association’s board of directors includes 27 members in total. WCMA said the following industry experts also are returning to the board:

•  Greg Alberts of Kelley Supply

•  Mindy Berrey of Land O’Lakes

•  Luke Buholzer of Klondike Cheese Company 

•  Wilf Costello of Glanbia Nutritionals 

•  Steve Doyle of Sartori Company

•  Jenny Drake of Grande Cheese Company 

•  Tony Eafanti of Leprino Foods Company 

•  Kurt Epprecht of Great Lakes Cheese

•  Mark Federico of Narragansett Creamery 

•  Richard Guggisberg of Guggisberg Cheese 

•  Kerry Henning of Henning Cheese

•  Kyle Jensen of Hilmar Cheese Company 

•  Jon Metzig of Union Star Cheese Factory 

•  Orphee Paillotin of Alpinage Cheese

•  Declan Roche of Foremost Farms USA 

•  Steve Stettler of Decatur Dairy

•  Bruce Workman of Edelweiss Creamery

Said WCMA executive director John Umhoefer: “We’re grateful to those leaving the board this year, and we look forward to bringing these first-time board members into the association’s leadership. It’s a privilege to have the thoughtful guidance and support of these leaders in dairy processing as we work together to grow and strengthen our industry.”