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 Ag | 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 Ag | TN |
| Erin Quaine-Altman | MI Dept of Ag & RD | MI |
| Chris Gieber | OR Dept of Ag | OR |
| Jurgen Ehler | IA Dept of Ag | IA |
| Donna Walker | DFA | NY |
| Robin Fuhrman | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Carl Espenshade | Organic Valley | |
| Dan Belk | Scenic Central | |
| Dr. Matthey Boyle | Zoetis | WI |
| Matt Doyle, FDA Consultant | FDA | MD |
| Zach Conlin, FDA Technical 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 | DFA | MN |
| Jessica Gehr | PA Dept of Agriculture | PA |
| Job Greenall | MT Dept of Livestock | MT |
| Eric Glaude | NY Ag & Markets | NY |
| Dustie Strasser | TN Dept of Agriculture | TN |
| Maria Quintero | DFA | KY |
| Beth Farrow | Maola | TN |
| Heather Spraker | Cornell | NY |
| Matthew Graziose | Chobani | NY |
| Stephen Walker, FDA Consultant | FDA | IL |
| Michelle Stedman, FDA Technical Advisor | FDA | WI |
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 |
| Hunter Moyer | VA Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services | VA |
| 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 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 |
| Jeff Ewell | Upstate Niagara Cooperative | NY |
| 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 |
| Michelle "Shelly" Starkey | Ohio Dept of Ag | OH |
| 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 |
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 |
| Gene Stegeman | SD Dept of Ag | SD |
| Paul Wadham | TN Dept of Ag | TN |
| Laura Traas | WI | WI |
| Clay Detlefsen | NMPF | VA |
| Roberta Wagner | IDFA | VA |
| Roger Hooi | DFA | TX |
| Brad Suhling | Prairie Farms | IL |
| Adela Ramos | Leprino | CO |
| Amanda Rife | LOL | PA |
| Wendy Landry | HP Hood | ME |
| Raju Bangalore | Saputo | CT |
| 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
Ad-hoc committee was abolished by vote of the Executive Board on May 18, 2026, having completed their work and reported to the Executive Board.
PMO Water Review Committee
(Resolution 10, 2025)
| Name | Company/State Agency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Kedzierski, Chair | United Dairymen of Arizona | AZ |
| Chris Hylkema, Vice Chair | New York Dept of Agricuture & Markets | NY |
| Kris Welch | Ohio Dept of Agriculture | OH |
| Michelle Steinmetz | Wisconsin Dept of Ag, Trade & CP | WI |
| Lynn Godfrey | Idaho State Dept of Ag | ID |
| Mike Campbell | Darigold | WA |
| Amandeep Dhillon | Tech Advisor | WI |
| Nathan Campbell | Indiana State Board of Animal Health | IN |
| Ellen Fitzgibbons | DFA | MA |
| Eric Glaude | New York Dept of Agricuture & Markets | NY |
| Dr. Steven Walker | FDA Technical Consultant | IL |
| Michelle Stedman | FDA Advisor | WI |
*These are Standing Committees
Updated May 27, 2026