To facilitate the basic function of the Conference, subject-specific Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees have been appointed to consider, study and evaluate “Proposals” submitted to the Conference for consideration. Some committees are tasked with the study of a proposal or subject between conferences and may operate pilot programs to test the operation or validity of a proposal. The “Proposals” submitted for deliberation at a Conference that are assigned to Committees are evaluated at the Conference and recommendations are provided and discussed with the assigned Council(s).
Anyone who has attended a conference may volunteer to serve on a council or committee by sending an email to quilter@ncims.org. Please provide your name, agency or company, mailing address, email address and phone number where you may be reached when a vacancy occurs. Also please indicate the council and/or committee on which you may wish to serve. You will be added to an on-going list of volunteers for access by the council and committee chairs.
Members of the Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees are as follows:
15r Study Committee
(Proposal 25-JC1)
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Wolf, Chair | MN Dept of Agriculture | MN |
| Dr. Patrick Gorden, Vice Chair | Iowa State University | IA |
| Paul Dix | MD Dept of Health | MD |
| Josh Fangmann | WI DATCP | WI |
| Dustie Strasser | TN Dept of Agriculture | TN |
| Erin Quaine-Altman | MI Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development | MI |
| Donna Walker | DFA | NY |
| Robin Fuhrman | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Carl Espenshade | Organic Valley | |
| Matt Doyle, FDA Consultant | FDA | MD |
| Zach Conlin, FDA Tech Advisor | FDA | FL |
16p Revision of 16p Study Committee
(Proposal 25-110)
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Allyn, Chair | CT Dept of Agriculture | CT |
| Natasha Banton, Vice Chair | DFA | MN |
| Dr. Stephen Walker, FDA Consultant | FDA | IL |
| Zach Conlin, FDA Tech Advisor | FDA | FL |
Adulteration Study Committee
(Proposal 23-101)
Ad-hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on September 22, 2025, having completed their work and reported to the Executive Board.
Animal/Herd Shares Study Committee
(Proposal 07-124)
Ad-hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on September 9,2009, having completed their work and reported to the 2009 Conference.
Appendix N Modification Committee*
(Proposal 05-243)
Appendix N Modification Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Heather Torino, Chair | NY Ag. & Markets | NY |
| Amanda Rife, Vice Chair | Land O'Lakes | PA |
| E.B. Flory | VT Dept of Agriculture | VT |
| Patrick Gorden | Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine | IA |
| Tajalli Hodge | MI Dept of Ag & Rural Resources | MI |
| Jaimie Jonker | National Milk Producers Association | VA |
| Jennifer Redepenning | DFA | MN |
| Brad Suhling | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Linda Stahlnecker | ME Dept. of Agriculture | ME |
| Kris Welch | Ohio Dept. of Agriculture | OH |
| Zach Conlin, FDA Consultant | FDA | FL |
| Rich Stephens, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | FL |
| Kathryn Bennett, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | GA |
Aseptic Program Committee
(Proposal 11-301, 11-308)
Aseptic Program Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Starkey, Chair | OH Dept. of Agriculture | OH |
| Jordan May, Vice Chair | Nestle | OH |
| Becky Beaudin | Danone NA | CO |
| Brian Cogar | MI Dept. of Agriculture | MI |
| Oscar Cox | NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Jason Crafts | Gossner Foods, Inc. | UT |
| Chris Gieber | OR Dept. of Agriculture | OR |
| Patrick Hash | IN State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Amy Heintzelman | MI Dept. of Agriculture | MI |
| Harris Hollingsworth | TX Dept. of State Health Services | TX |
| Roger Hooi | DFA Brands | TX |
| Sara Horning | Indiana State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Emil Nashed | DMI - Dairy Research Institute | IL |
| Gabriel Pascual | Harold Wainess & Associates | IL |
| Katie Powers | Gehl Foods, LLC | WI |
| Brian Thane | Tetra Pak, Inc | TX |
| Clint George, FDA Consultant | FDA | TX |
| Michelle Stedman, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | WI |
Constitution and Bylaws Committee*
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Koeltzow, Chair | MI Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development | MI |
| James Allyn, Vice Chair | CT Dept of Agriculture | CT |
| Ian Wilson | VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets | VT |
| Audra Phillips | AL Department of Public Health | AL |
| EB Flory | VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets | VT |
Defining Grade A Dairy Products
(Proposal 05-214)
Ad-hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on September 9, 2009, having completed their work and reported to the 2009 Conference.
Document Review Committee*
Document Review Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Traas, Chair | WI Dept of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection | WI |
| Heather Torino, Vice Chair | NY Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Nathan Campbell | IN State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Paula Dankert | MI Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development | MI |
| Barbara Koeltzow | MI Dept of Agriculture | MI |
| Roberta Wagner | IDFA | DC |
| Jamie Jonker | NMPF | VA |
| Antone Mickelson | Northwest Dairy Association | WA |
| Brook Sherman | Ecolab | MN |
| Bob Altobelli, FDA Consultant | FDA | NY |
| Tarsha Oliver, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | IL |
Food Defense Study Committee
Ad-hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on January 7, 2026, having completed their work.
HACCP Implementation Committee*
HACCP Implementation Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Crafts, Chair | Gossner Foods, Inc | UT |
| Elizabeth "EB" Flory, Vice Chair | VT Dept of Agriculture | VT |
| James R. Allyn | CT Dept of Agriculture | CT |
| Ben Thomas | Utah Dept of Agriculture | UT |
| Steve Murphy | Cornell University | NY |
| Emil Nashed | Dairy Managment Inc. | IL |
| Dave Robbins | DFA Dairy Brands | IL |
| Alan Talarsky | NJ Dept of Health | NJ |
| Karie Williams | PA Dept of Agriculture | PA |
| Bob Altobelli, FDA Consultant | FDA | NY |
| Barb Williams, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | NY |
| Gabriel Pascual, Technical Advisor | Harold Wainess & Associates | IL |
| Allen Sayler, Technical Advisor | CFSRS | VA |
| P.C. Vasavada, Technical Advisor |
Hauling Procedures Committee*
Hauling Procedures Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cherie Hime, Chair | International Milk Haulers Assoc. | WI |
| Casey Hale, Vice Chair | New Mexico Dept of Agriculture | NM |
| Clarence (Freddy) Ledford | Mississippi Dept of Health | MS |
| Zarina Bestul | Oregon Dept of Agriculture | OR |
| Casey McCue | New York Department of Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Michael Dennis | North Carolina DAC&S Food & Drug | NC |
| Mike Backhus | Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture | NE |
| Brian McAnelly | Kentucky Milk Safety Branch | KY |
| Steve Kruk | Dairy Farmers of America | OH |
| Barney McConnell | Dairy Farmers of America | NY |
| Michael Mund | Lonestar Milk Products | TX |
| Brad Williamson | LTI/Milky Way | WA |
| Skyler Sherrod | Western Dairy Transport | TX |
| Bob Cooksey | MD VA Milk Coop | MD |
| Harris Hollingsworth | TX Dept of State Health Services | TX |
| Curt Griner, FDA Consultant | FDA | GA |
| Joie Riehle, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | WA |
| Hunter Moyer, Regulatory Alternate | VA Dept of Ag & Consumer Services | VA |
| Melinda Davis, Industry Alternate | HP Hood | VT |
| Robin Fuhrman, Industry Alternate | Prairie Farms | IN |
International Certification Pilot Program*
(Proposals 05-316 and 07-304)
International Certification Program
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jaimie Jonker, Chair | NMPF | VA |
| Ellen Fitzgibbons, Vice Chair | DFA Dairy Brands | MA |
| Alan Talarsky | NJ Dept of Health | NJ |
| Michelle Starkey | OH Dept of Agriculture | OH |
| Briannah Halm | TX Dept of State Health Services | TX |
| Renata Pearson, Technical Advisor | CCRA for Grupo LaLa/ JP Morgan/ Vastera | CA |
| Curt Griner, FDA Consultant | FDA | GA |
| Michelle Lopez, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | CA |
Laboratory Committee*
Laboratory Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Traas, Chair | Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture | WI |
| Wendy Landry, Vice Chair | HP Hood, LLC | ME |
| Sabina Alexander | Hiland Dairy | MO |
| Christina Asay, LEO | California Dept. of Food & Agriculture | CA |
| Tanya DuBois | Publix Supermarkets | FL |
| Jessica Gerspacher | Eastern Laboratory Services | OH |
| Erica Turley | Prairie Farms Dairy | IL |
| Brenda Hiraldo, LEO | Iowa Dept of Agriculture | IA |
| Patricia Hanson | FL Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services | FL |
| Roger Hooi | DFA Dairy Brands | TX |
| Tom Kitsmiller, LEO | Ohio Department of Agriculture | OG |
| Shawn Lee, LEO | Michigan Dept. of Ag. & Rural Resources | MI |
| Cody Udy | Gossner Food | UT |
| Cynthia Mangione, LEO | New York Dept of Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Nancy Sanchez, LEO | Puerto Rico Health Dept | PR |
| Amanda Rife | Land O'Lakes | PA |
| Gene Stegeman, LEO | South Dakota Dept of Agriculture | SD |
| Steven Beckman, Academic Advisor | South Dakota State University | SD |
| Dr. Greg Gharst, FDA Consultant | FDA | |
| Sean Montgomery, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | CO |
Liaison Committee*
Liaison Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Beam, Chair | CA Dept of Food & Agriculture | CA |
| Dustin Cox, Vice Chair | NM Dept of Agriculture | NM |
| Casey McCue | NY Dept of Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Roberta Wagner | International Dairy Foods Association | DC |
| Clay Detlefsen | National Milk Producers Federation | VA |
| Roger Hooi | DFA Dairy Brands | TX |
| Dr. Adela Ramos | Leprino Foods | CO |
| Brad Suhling | Prairie Farms Dairy | IL |
| Sofia Stifflemire | TX Dept of State Health Services | TX |
| Brian Wise | OH Dept of Agriculture | OH |
| Nicole Neeser | MN Dept of Agriculture | MN |
| E.B. Flory | VT Agency of Ag, Food & Mkts | VT |
| Brad Turpin | CO Dept of Public Health | CO |
Methods for Making Sanitation Ratings (MMSR) Committee*
Methods of Making Sanitation Ratings Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Wilson, Chair | OR Dept of Agriculture | OR |
| Brandon Wolf | MN Dept of Ag | MN |
| Christina Angell | NY Dept of Ag & Markets | NY |
| Michael Campbell | Darigold Northwest Dairy | WA |
| Michael Barnes | HP Hood LLC | VA |
| Beth Farrow | General Mills | TN |
| Ellen Fitzgibbons | DFA Dairy Brands | MA |
| Brad Suhling | Prairie Farms Dairy | IL |
| Tony Shumaker | SD Dept. of Agriculture | SD |
| Harris Hollingsworth | TX Dept of State Health Services | TX |
| Bob Altobelli, FDA Consultant | FDA | NY |
| Barbara Williams, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | NY |
| Brian McAnelly, Regulatory Alternate | Kentucky Dept of Ag | KY |
| Amanda Phinazee, Regulatory Alternate | Georgia Dept of Ag | GA |
| Michelle "Shelly" Starkey, Regulatory Alternare | Ohio Dept of Ag | OH |
On-farm Biosecurity Ad Hoc Committee
(Proposal 23-207)
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Turpin, Chair | CO Dept of Public Health | CO |
| Alex Beard, Vice Chair | DFA | OH |
| Michelle Starkey | Ohio Department of Ag | OH |
| Harris Hollingsworth | Texas DSHS Inspections | TX |
| Dr. Patrick Gorden | Iowa State University | IA |
| Skyler Sherrod | Western Dairy Transport | TX |
| Dustie Strasser | TN Department of Ag | TN |
| Amanda Phinazee | GA Department of Ag | GA |
| Joe Packard | MI Milk Producers Assn | MI |
| Gene Stegeman | SD Department of Ag | SD |
| Nathan Campbell | IN BOAH - Dairy Division | IN |
| Dr. Lisa Burnett | NV Department of Ag | NV |
| Ben Chapin | MI Milk Producers Assn | MI |
| Erin Quaine Altman | MI Department of Ag | MI |
| Miquela Hanselman | NMPF | VA |
| Dr. Nicole Neeser | MN Department of Ag | MN |
| Roland Mader | AZ Department of Ag | AZ |
| Dr. Brandon Treichler | Select Milk Producers, Inc. | |
| Robin Fuhrman | Prairie Farms | IN |
| Sarah Padilla | UDA | AZ |
| Robert Altobelli | FDA Technical Advisor | NY |
| Barb Williams | FDA Technical Advisor | NY |
| Dr. Matt Doyle | FDA Consultant | MD |
Other Species Milk Committee*
Other Species Milk Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley Turpin, Chair | CO Dept of Public Health & Environment | CO |
| Sarah Coburn, DVM | AK Dept of Environmental Conservation | AK |
| Lisa Burnett | NV Dept of Agriculture | NV |
| Eric Burns | MT Dept of Livestock, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab | MT |
| Jessica Edwards | Massachusetts Dept of Agricultural Resources | MA |
| Oscar Cox | NY State Dept of Agriculture and Markets | NY |
| Michelle Steinmetz | WI Dept of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection | WI |
| Vijay Vankar | Leprino Foods Company | CO |
| Michael Mund | Lone Star Milk Producers | TX |
| Matt Doyle, FDA Consultant | FDA | MD |
| Lindsey Giles-Austin, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | MI |
| Lynn Hinkley Techinical Advisor | Retired | CT |
Public Health Emergencies Study Committee
(Proposal 25-312)
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casey McCue, Chair | NY Dept of Ag & Markets | NY |
| Roger Hooi, Vice Chair | DFA | TX |
| Brian Wise | OH Dept of Ag | OH |
| Stephen Beam | CA Dept of Food & Ag | CA |
| Brad Turpin | CO Dept of Public Health | CO |
| Sofia Stifflemire | TX Dept of State Health | TX |
| Roberta Wagner | IDFA | VA |
| Clay Detlefsen | NMPF | VA |
| Amanda Rife | LOL | PA |
| Patrick Gorden | Iowa State University | IA |
| Beth Briczinski, FDA Consultant | FDA Consultant | MD |
| Curt Griner, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA Technical Advisor | GA |
Program Committee
Program Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wendy Landry Chair | HP Hood LLC | ME |
| Barbara Koeltzow, Vice Chair | MI Dept. of Ag. & Rural Development | MI |
| Miquela Hanselman | NMPF | VA |
| Roberta Wagner | IDFA | DC |
| Jennifer Lester | FL Dept of Ag & Consumer Services | FL |
| Rylee Sterrett | Prairie Farms Dairy | IN |
| Chris Hylkema | New York Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Shannon Maloney, 2027 Local Arrangements | Missouri State Milk Board | MO |
| Nicole Neeser, 2025 Local Arrangements | Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture | MN |
| Brian Wise, Conference Chair | Ohio Dept. of Agriculture | OH |
| Casey McCue, Past Chair | New York Agriculture & Markets | NY |
| Amanda Rife, Council I Chair | Land O'Lakes | PA |
| Dave Kedzierski, Council II Chair | United Dairymen of Arizona | AZ |
| Damon Miller, Council III Chair | Dairy Farmers of America | TX |
| Beth Briczinski, FDA Consultant | US FDA | MD |
| Anne Quilter, Ex Officio | NCIMS Executive Secretary | CA |
Repackaging Grade A Dairy Products
(Proposal 19-112)
Ad Hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on January 29, 2025, having completed their work and reported to the 2023 Conference.
Scientific Advisory Committee*
Scientific Advisory Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicole Neeser, Chair | Minnesota Dept of Agriculture | MN |
| Amandeep Dhillon, Vice Chair | Grande Cheese Company | WI |
| Stephen Beam | California Dept of Food and Agriculture | CA |
| Sam Alcaine | International Dairy Foods Association | NY |
| Matt Hauschild | Indiana State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Herb Wyckoff | Crest Foods Company, Inc | IL |
| Patrick Hash | Indiana State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| David Hakes | Dairy Farmers of America | KS |
| Dennis D'Amico, Academic Advisor | University of Connecticut | CT |
| Steve Walker, FDA Consultant | FDA | IL |
| Sean Montgomery, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | CO |
| Deb Durkee-Barnett, Alternate Regulatory | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets | VT |
Single-Service Containers and Closures (SSCC) Committee*
SSCC Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Armour Peterson, Chair | Illinois Dept. Public Health | IL |
| Patrick A. Frontale, Vice Chair | Packaging Consultants International | NY |
| Kenneth Anderson | Harold Wainess & Associates | IL |
| Michele Soebeck | WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection | WI |
| Amanda Phinazee | Georgia Dept of Agriculture | GA |
| Micha Purcella | Dairy Farmers of America | MN |
| Paul Wadham | Tennessee Dept of Agriculture | TN |
| Charles Mack | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Sofia Stifflemire | Texas Dept of State Health Services | TX |
| Bob Altobelli, FDA Consultant | FDA | NY |
| Justin Holder, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | VA |
Strained Yogurt Study Committee
| Name | Company | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Heather Ann Spraker - Chair | Cornell University | NY |
| E.B. Flory - Vice Chair | VT Dept of Agricutlure | VT |
| Kim King | WA State Dept of Agriculture | WA |
| Karie Williams | PA Dept of Agriculture | PA |
| Mathew Meyers | ID State Dept of Agriculture | ID |
| Brian Wise | OH Dept of Agriculture | OH |
| Sam Alcaine | IDFA | NY |
| Matt Graziose | Chobani | NY |
| Lisa Dame | Lactalis | NH |
| Miquela Hanselman | NMPF | VA |
| Beth Briczinski, FDA Consultant | FDA | MD |
| Curt Griner, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | GA |
Study Committee on Program Efficiency
(Proposal 25-204, 25-224)
| Name | Company/Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Beam, Chair | CA Dept of Food & Ag | CA |
| Dustin Cox, Vice-Chair | NM Dept of Ag | NM |
| Casey McCue | NY Dept of Ag & Markets | NY |
| Sofia Stifflemire | TX Dept of State Health | TX |
| Brian Wise | OH Dept of Ag | OH |
| Nicole Neeser | MN Dept of Ag | MN |
| E.B. Flory | VT Agency of Ag, Food & Mkts | VT |
| Brad Turpin | CO Dept of Public Health | CO |
| Clay Detlefsen | NMPF | VA |
| Roberta Wagner | IDFA | VA |
| Roger Hooi | DFA | TX |
| Brad Suhling | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Adela Ramos | Leprino | CO |
| Gene Stegeman | SD Dept of Ag | SD |
| Paul Wadham | TN Dept of Ag | TN |
| Amanda Rife | LOL | PA |
| Wendy Landry | HP Hood | ME |
| Beth Briczinski | FDA Technical Consultant | MD |
| Curt Griner | FDA Technical Advisor | GA |
Technical Engineering Review Committee*
Technical Engineering Review Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Hylkema, Chair | New York Dept of Agricuture & Markets | NY |
| David Kedzierski, Vice Chair | United Dairymen of Arizona | AZ |
| Ray Baker | Prairie Frams | IL |
| Nathan Campbell | Indiana State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Lyle W. Clem | Electrol Specialties Co. | IL |
| Dustin Cox | New Mexico Dept of Agriculture | NM |
| Keith Schumann | Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC | TX |
| Paul Dix | Maryland Dept of Health | MD |
| Brian Wise | Ohio Department of Agricuture | OH |
| Steve Walker, FDA Consultant | FDA | IL |
| Michelle Stedman, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | WI |
| Craig Reinhart - Technical Advisor | Reinhart Conuslting | IL |
| Natalie Herman, Industry Alternate | SPX Flow | NY |
Automatic Milking Installation Subcommittee
TERC – Automatic Milking Installation (AMI) Subcommittee
Subcommittee of the Technical Engineering Review Committee
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location | Position on Subcommittee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Hylkema, Chair | New York Dept of Agriculture & Markets | NY | TERC Member |
| Brian Wise | Ohio Dept of Agriculture | OH | TERC Member |
| Paul Dix | Maryland Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene | MD | TERC Member |
| Gena Reich | Washington State Dept of Agriculture | WA | TERC Member |
| Helen Piotter | Dean Foods Company | IN | TERC Member |
| Steve Stoner | Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection | WI | Non-TERC Regulatory |
| Clint George | Texas Dept of State Health Services | TX | Non-TERC Regulatory |
| Steve McGinnis | California Dept of Food & Agriculture | CA | Non-TERC Regulatory |
| David Brown | Iowa Dept of Agriculture | IA | Non-TERC Regulatory |
| Adam Sonnenburg | Dairy Farmers of America | WI | Non-TERC Industry |
| Jason Martin | Galaxy AMS | PA | Non-TERC Industry |
| Brad Cupery | Lely North America | WI | Non-TERC Industry |
| Matt Stuessel | GEA USA | WI | Non-TERC Industry |
| Brad Schaller | Boumatic | WI | Non-TERC Industry |
| Derek Zepp | DeLaval | MO | Non-TERC Industry |
| William Bernhard | AEM | WI | Non-TERC Industry |
| Dr. Stephen Walker | FDA | MD | FDA Consultant |
| Michelle Stedman | FDA | WI | FDA Technical Advisor |
*These are Standing Committees
Updated March 27, 2026