Graduates of YDLI

Since the first class started in 1994, the Young Dairy Leaders Institute boasts hundreds of alumni. YDLI graduates hail from across the country and are involved in all aspects of the dairy industry.

YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader Award Recipients

Each year, the Holstein Foundation recognizes YDLI graduates who have shown exceptional leadership and made noteworthy contributions to the dairy industry, applying skills gained during YDLI.

“The skills you come away from YDLI with, whether it be communications or government relations, it took all those
barriers down and really opened you up to want to participate.”

— Nic Schoenberger, 2026 YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader Award Recipient

Listen to Nic's Story

Past Recipients

2026 - Nic Schoenberger
2025 - Bill and Betsy Bullard
2024 - Karen Bohnert
2023 - Lucas and Alise Sjostrom
2022 - Mary Knigge
2020 - Matt Nuckols
2019 - Rebecca Long Chaney
2018 - Nate Janssen
2017 - Melissa Greenbacker Dziurgot
2016 - Michele Ruby
2015 - Chandler Goule
2013/2014 - Ray Prock

2012 - Brad Scott
2011 - Bonnie Mohr
2010 - Kate Geppert
2009 - Laura Daniels
2008 - Jerry Jennissen
2007 - Duane and Marilyn Hershey
2006 - Bonnie Burr
2005 - Lolly Lesher
2004 - John and Maria Nye
2003 - Kevin and Marilyn Steffens
2002 - Eric Ooms
2001 - Peter Kappelman

YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader Applications Are Open!

Celebrate the impact of YDLI by recognizing a graduate who has transformed their experience into meaningful contributions, industry leadership, and lasting influence in the dairy industry and beyond.

Nominate a Graduate

Class 13

(2024 - 2025)

Ashley Alexander
Kendra Arnholt
Carissa Backhaus
Katelin Benkoski
Joey Bertao
Shelby Biasini
Emily Bosch
Emily Bourdeau
Anna Burnett
Jaden Castinado
Janet Chittenden
Gretchen Colón-Suau
Dan Curtin
Bethan Dado-Senn
Morgan Driscoll
Monika Dziuba
Katarina Emerich
Jason Ewing
Jenna Facer

Rebecca Ferry
Mary Fliehler
Allissa Frisle
Robert Gallagher
Katelyn Goldsmith
Jillian Green
Matt Groen
Mariah Haworth
Lauren Hendel
Sarah Hetke
Laura Holtzinger
Vicki Janisch
Kevin Korbel
Chandler Kurth
Kendra Lafrenz
Carolyn Lawrence
Candace Lease
Matt Linehan
Matti McBride

Cassie Menendez
Donavan Miguel
Molly Moffett
Tom Mueller
Stephanie Nash
Geneva Nunes
Nicole Osborn
Alex Patch
Barb Petersen
Carlyn Peterson
Crystal Prom
Sonya Radel
Kelly Raterink
Siska Reece
Elisabeth Regusci
Kierstan Rhodes
McCalister Russell
Monica Schaapman
Liz Schiefelbein

Zach Schilter
Liza Schlintz
Carriel Schmitt
Katie Schmitt
Marcus Schroepfer
Gabe Smith
Greyson Smith
Mary Sweeney
Maxime Tarte
Brock Tate
Sarah Thomas
Elle Tibor
Riley Travis
Taylor Turney
Shawnna Vander Wey
Jesse Wellman
Tim Ziemba

For more than three decades, the Young Dairy Leaders Institute has built a nationwide network of dairy professionals. Graduates from thirteen classes have established careers across the country and represent every segment of the dairy industry. Many have become respected leaders, advocates, and innovators. Explore the lists below to view the graduates who continue to make an impact today.

Meet Our Graduates

View All YDLI Graduates

YDLI Classes Over the Years

  • Class 12

    (2022-2023)

  • Class 11

    (2019-2020)

  • Class 10

    (2017-2018)

  • Class 9

    (2015-2016)

  • Class 8

    (2013-2014)

  • Class 7

    (2011-2012)

  • Class 6

    (2008-2009)

  • Class 5

    (2005-2006)

  • Class 1

    (1994-1995)