Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
September 17, 2026 – Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with award-winning marketing experience and the hands-on leadership style this role demands,” said Jon Leafstedt, K&R managing partner. “PA Dairymen’s has real brand momentum, and the board wanted a leader who could extend it into new venues and channels while connecting that growth back to Pennsylvania’s dairy families. That is the work Patrick has done for the past eight years.”
“Patrick already knows Pennsylvania’s dairy farm families from his time at the American Dairy Association North East, and he brings marketing talent that will take the milkshake, and everything it supports, further than we’ve taken it so far,” said Mr. Smith.
“We are thrilled to welcome Patrick to the PA Dairymen’s Association as our new executive director and look forward to the innovation, strategic vision and leadership he will bring to our organization,” said board president Glenn Gorrell. “Following a thoughtful search process, our Board unanimously agreed that Carney is the right leader to guide us into our next chapter. His passion for our mission, extensive industry experience, collaborative leadership style, award-winning marketing expertise, vision and deep understanding of our industry make him uniquely positioned to build on our strong foundation and drive continued growth and success.”
“Carney will be a tremendous asset not only to our organization and loyal customers, but also to Pennsylvania’s world-class dairy industry and the Commonwealth as a whole,” Mr. Gorrell said. “As we prepare for the upcoming PA Farm Show and other exciting initiatives on the horizon, we are confident that Carney will elevate our iconic, famous milkshake brand across the state, strengthen our partnerships, and champion the needs of our dairy industry. We are excited to work alongside him as we expand our impact, embrace new opportunities, and continue delivering an exceptional product and experience to our loyal milkshake fans.”
Mr. Carney joins PA Dairymen’s from the American Dairy Association North East, where he spent eight years in roles of increasing responsibility across integrated marketing, communications, digital strategy, and sponsorships, most recently in senior leadership. That work brought him into regular contact with Pennsylvania dairy producers and farmer-led boards.
Reporting to PA Dairymen’s farmer-led board of directors, Mr. Carney serves as the Association’s chief executive and public spokesperson, leading strategic direction and operational oversight across its milkshake business, charitable programs, and advocacy work. He will guide the organization through its next chapter of growth while honoring the grassroots heritage that has defined PA Dairymen’s for more than 150 years.
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“I am honored to join such a highly respected organization that proudly represents Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and is home to one of the Commonwealth’s most iconic traditions—the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Milkshake,” said Mr. Carney. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, industry partners, and dairy farm families to build on the Association’s remarkable legacy while advancing its mission for years to come. I’m excited to build on the Association’s long tradition of supporting charitable causes, providing academic scholarships, and promoting dairy education.”
Farmer-Led Non-Profit
PA Dairymen is a non-profit governed by a 15-member farmer-led board of directors. Its mission is to represent and support farm families and communities by serving milkshakes, sharing farmers’ stories, and collaborating with businesses and organizations. Sold at the Pennsylvania Farm Show since 1953, the Association’s signature milkshakes have funded nearly $6 million in scholarships, youth development, hunger prevention, and community programs over the past eleven years.
Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed serves clients throughout the world from locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The firm is based in Arlington, VA. Kincannon & Reed’s mission is: “We recruit leaders for organizations that feed the world and keep it healthy.”
Mr. Leafstedt, managing partner, draws on his expertise in agriculture and biotechnology to help associations, cooperatives, and early-stage companies define their talent needs and recruit senior leadership. Passionate about connecting people with the right roles and organizations, he has led more than 200 searches in his tenure with Kincannon & Reed. Mr. Leafstedt is located in Des Moines, IA.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
