ORLANDO, FLA. — QCS Purchasing Cooperative elected new board officers, who were introduced during the food and beverage buying group’s annual shareholder meeting.

Members elected Matt McClelland of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. as board chairman, Donna Krska of Darigold as vice chairman, and Vardy Bawari of HP Hood, LLC as secretary and treasurer.

Additionally, QCS shared that three board members were reelected to new three-year terms: Greg Helbig, Hiland Dairy Foods; Andy Pincus, Carbonator Rental Service; and Eric Smith, California Dairies, Inc.

Board members currently serving terms are Joseph L. Carson of United Dairy, Inc., and David Pavao of Borden Dairy.

QCS president and chief executive officer Ken Klug said the newly elected leaders represent “the core” of the purchasing cooperative’s membership.

"Together, we are embracing our 2025 theme — connect, contribute, collaborate — by aligning efforts across our network to build scale, strengthen partnerships and create lasting value for every member,” Klug said.

The cooperative’s leader also thanked former board chairman Bill Meier, president of Excel Bottling Company, “for his service and the profound impact of his leadership on the organization’s growth and long-term strategic direction over the past few years."

During the annual meeting for QCS in April, the cooperative shared some of its accomplishments from the past year, including $21 million-plus in rebates paid to members, a 12% average increase in rebates paid year-over-year, the launch of seven new programs and the addition of nine companies to the cooperative.

QCS said its board members help direct its work toward further growth and stewardship.

“These board appointments reflect our continued evolution and focus,” Klug said. “By connecting expertise, contributing shared resources, and collaborating toward common goals, we are strengthening our position as the trusted partner for purchasing and strategic services.”