Carr, Gigliotti, Hoover and Mattilio Recently Filled Open Board Positions
The Center for Dairy Excellence and Dairy Excellence Foundation recently welcomed four dairy professionals to the organizations’ Board of Directors. The Center for Dairy Excellence Board of Directors guide the work of the non-profit 501c6 organization, which fosters collaboration across the industry and provides resources to strengthen Pennsylvania dairy farms. The Dairy Excellence Foundation Board of Directors guide the work of the 501c3 charitable organization focused on cultivating and empowering dairy’s next generation.
Matthew Carr, a dairy producer from New Alexandria, Pa., was elected to the Center for Dairy Excellence Board during the December 2022 Board meeting. Carr filled an open position, which was vacated by Steve Paxton who reached the two-consecutive term maximum set by the organization’s bylaws. Carr is the third generation owner-operator of Lone Oak Farms in Crabtree, Westmoreland County. He runs the farm alongside his parents, Chuck and Marilynn Carr, his wife Nikki, and his brother Chuck. They milk 250 Holsteins and farm 850 acres of alfalfa, corn and soybeans.
“I have seen all the positive things that the Center for Dairy Excellence has done for the dairy industry. I was excited to become a board member so I could offer a helping hand to ensure it continues,” Carr shared.
Anthony Gigliotti, President of Sales, Marketing and Procurement for Boyer’s Food Markets headquartered in Orwigsburg, Pa., also joined the Center for Dairy Excellence Board during the December 2022 Board meeting. Gigliotti filled an open retail representative position, which was vacated by Andrea Karns from Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Gigliotti has vast wholesale experience, beginning as a merchandiser and working up to customer service manager and category manager. He also worked as a Senior Category Manager for both national and private-label brands. In 2003, he relocated back home to Berks County, Pennsylvania and became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Boyer’s Food Markets. Today, he is involved in all aspects of Boyer’s Food Markets’ 19-store chain. Gigliotti lives in Berks County with his wife and three sons.
“I felt that serving on the Center for Dairy Excellence Board of Directors might give me a chance to share the retail perspective and possibly let my colleagues on the board see through a different lens. After all, as a retailer with 19 stores, I’m able to see price increases and decreases as I deal with different manufacturers and warehouses,” Gigliotti said. “My view may be different from a farmer or a processor, and in that way, I may also see a different point of view with the challenges they face from day to day.”
The Center’s Board of Directors must agree to serve a three-year term and may be re-elected for an additional term. The Board was developed to represent multiple aspects of the dairy industry, with seats for dairy farmers, allied industry professionals, marketing cooperative employees, veterinarians, retail representatives, processor representatives, and members from the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
One of the new members elected to the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Board of Directors is Reid Hoover, a dairy producer from Lebanon, Pa. Hoover filled an open position vacated by Dave Hileman of Tyrone, Pa. Hoover operates Brook-Corner Holsteins in Lebanon County along with his wife Diane and son Brad and his wife Amy. They milk 400 Registered Holsteins and grow corn, soybeans, and double-crop rye for forage.
“The dairy industry in Pennsylvania is alive and well, but we need to continue to work to keep it strong and growing. Consumer education and youth development are very important, and the Foundation has strong programs that support both of these,” Hoover shared. “I look forward to being part of a team to continue these programs.”
Melissa Mattilio also joined the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Board of Directors, filling an open position vacated by Eric Boyle of Hershey, Pa. Mattilio began working in the Marketing Department of Turkey Hill Dairy in 1995 as a Marketing Assistant. Over the next 27 years, Melissa helped to build a brand that focused on delicious products, consumer engagement, and community involvement. In early 2022, Mattilio left the role of Senior Consumer Marketing Manager at Turkey Hill. She is now consulting part time with Oasis Creamery in Ronks, PA, an Amish owned and operated dairy processor focused on supporting their community of farmers.
“I was excited to join the Dairy Excellence Foundation Board of Directors. I believe that building an educated, diversified, and integrated dairy industry will make sure we are all ready to take on the challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities of the future,” Mattilio added.
More information about the organizations’ Board of Directors can be found at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org.