The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, effective August 17, 2026.
Carney brings award-winning marketing expertise and multi-disciplinary executive leadership and a deep understanding of the dairy industry to the role of executive director. Throughout his career he has developed and executed integrated marketing and business strategies that have elevated brand visibility, strengthened stakeholder engagement, driven sustainable organizational growth and increased consumer demand for dairy products.
In this new role, he will lead the Association in advancing its mission to support dairy farmers, advance the Association’s popular milkshake operations where “every shake supports a cause” to fund widespread philanthropic initiatives, promote the value of dairy across the Commonwealth, and strengthen the organization’s impact. He will oversee statewide operations, guide strategic initiatives, strengthen industry partnerships, expand the Association’s brand and outreach, and position the organization for continued growth and long-term success. He will also lead the Association’s efforts at the PA Farm Show.
“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. 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.”
Newly appointed Executive Director Patrick Carney said he looks forward to beginning this exciting new role.
Carney said, “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. 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.
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Milkshake has become much more than a favorite treat enjoyed at the PA Farm Show and events across the state. It represents the hard work and pride of Pennsylvania dairy farm families while creating lasting memories for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year.
I’m excited to build on the Association’s long tradition of supporting charitable causes, providing academic scholarships, and promoting dairy education. Together, we’ll continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across the Commonwealth.”
Carney will depart his current position as Vice President of Marketing for the American Dairy Association North East where he directs integrated marketing strategies along with fostering meaningful collaborative partnerships to help build consumer trust and demand for dairy products on behalf of 4,360 dairy farm families in Pennsylvania, in addition to other states across the Northeast. His strategic marketing leadership has assisted in strengthening the Northeast’s dairy industry and increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of wholesome, nutritious dairy foods.
Carney has held key roles in the dairy industry for the last eight years and has dedicated his career to working for non-profit organizations.
The Association also announced that current Executive Director Dave Smith will remain with the organization as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition, to assist with planning for the 2027 PA Farm Show and to provide continuity, support and institutional knowledge.
Gorrell applauded Smith saying, “The PA Dairymen’s Association extends our gratitude to Dave Smith for his dedicated service, strong leadership and extraordinary success. Smith has driven incredible growth, developed innovative partnerships, favorably positioned our famous milkshakes and established a successful mobile milkshake truck business that delivers milkshake smiles to thousands of fans annually while giving back. He has diligently served as a visionary leader for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association for more than 30 years. We are truly grateful for Dave’s commitment, leadership, marketing initiatives, and dedication as well as for his advocacy on behalf of the entire dairy industry,” Gorrell said, adding that Smith will continue in an advisory capacity during the upcoming months.
“It has been such a true privilege to serve the PA Dairymen’s Association and share those legendary milkshakes and milkshake smiles with fans across Pennsylvania, and support hundreds of charitable causes that are making a meaningful difference in communities throughout the Commonwealth. I’m proud of our entire team who has assisted in the success of the PA Dairymen’s Association. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support the Association during this transition. I have complete confidence in Patrick and the future of the organization. Having worked with him during our impactful Fill A Glass hunger prevention campaign, I know firsthand the passion, vision, and leadership he brings. His proven marketing expertise and deep commitment to the dairy industry will strengthen the Association, expand our beloved milkshake brand, and help carry this cherished Pennsylvania tradition to even greater success,” said current Executive Director Dave Smith.
The PA Dairymen’s Association is an innovative and leading statewide non-profit association, known for serving its legendary milkshakes, being a leading dairy advocate, and for providing $6.5 million in financial support over the past 12 years to the Pennsylvania dairy industry, charitable causes, and communities throughout the state.
The PA Dairymen’s Association is best known for its popular milkshakes served at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and at many festivals, fairs, schools, and community events throughout the year. The well-liked brand has helped the Association support next-generation dairy farmer programs, such as the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Program, Future Farmers of America, youth scholarships, and internships that help the next generation of agriculturalists hone their skills and advance their education. The Association has also provided several hundred thousand dollars to Pennsylvania dairy farm families to support business and transition planning consulting, and much more. With every shake supporting a cause, the PA Dairymen’s Association has supported a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, including the prevention of hunger.
“The list of Dave’s accomplishments is long – he cultivated the Dairymen’s milkshake into a highly recognizable, sought-after brand and fan favorite. He spearheaded efforts to grow relationships and partnerships with businesses, media, the agriculture community and the charitable food system. Growth of the brand and sales has led to significant funding to support agricultural and dairy interests in the Commonwealth and far beyond. As a passionate supporter of dairy farm families, he has been at the forefront of the efforts to allow school children access to whole milk,” Gorrell mentioned.
Eleven years ago, Smith and the Association partnered with several other organizations including Feeding Pennsylvania and the American Dairy Association North East to create the Fill a Glass with Hope® fundraising program. This successful and first-ever statewide charitable program of its kind in the nation, provides fresh milk to food-insecure children and adults in Pennsylvania. To date, Fill a Glass with Hope® has raised enough money to provide more than 49 million servings of milk to Pennsylvania families through Feeding PA food banks across the state.
In 2019, Smith planned and led a dairy farmer-lawmaker rally with the participation of Congressional leaders at the Pennsylvania’s State Capitol in Harrisburg which grew momentum for federal legislative reform, allowing children access to whole milk in schools. This major collective effort led to the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this year by the President. The Act allows schools to once again offer a variety of milk options, including whole, flavored, and 2% milk.
“Leading the PA Dairymen’s Association has been both a privilege and an honor. I’m extremely proud of the amazing opportunities I’ve experienced and proud of all our team has accomplished. It’s been a privilege to generate support for and promote our hard‑working dairy farm families—who provide the quality dairy products we all enjoy, All of this has been a lifelong mission of mine which is extremely rewarding. One of the best parts of my job has been spreading those milkshake smiles to so many people of all ages everywhere,” Smith added.
Smith said he looks forward to working closely with the new executive director and in creating a smooth transition to help take the Association into future years of great success. Smith will still be onboard as an advisor for the 2027 PA Farm Show.
“Our Pennsylvania dairy farm families work tirelessly—365 days a year and through every kind of weather—to care for their livestock and produce the high-quality, nutritious and delicious dairy products we all enjoy. Their dedication and compassion do not go unnoticed, and I’m deeply grateful for everything they do. And I’m extremely proud to be part of a fifth-generation family farm in the Commonwealth.”
About Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association is the oldest dairy group in Pennsylvania. They have been serving their iconic milkshakes at the PA Farm Show since 1953 and spreading milkshake smiles throughout communities across the state. Every Dairymen’s Milkshake supports a great cause. The Dairymen’s Milkshake is the top-selling food item at the Food Court. The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association has been supporting “Fill a Glass with Hope®” with agriculture partners, Feeding PA, American Dairy Association North East, corporate partners and food banks since 2015. The initiative has provided over 49 million servings of fresh milk to Feeding PA food banks. Over the past 12 years, the PA Dairymen’s Association has donated $6.5 million to programs including The Calving Corner; agricultural and educational projects; initiatives and scholarships; the Fill A Glass with Hope® fresh milk campaign for neighbors in need; the Choose PA Dairy consumer education and awareness campaign; the PA Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Education Lab that travels to schools; the PA Dairy Princess and Promotion Program; FFA; community and school programs; Friends of Agriculture Foundation projects, and much more! The Association has also invested several hundred thousand dollars in grants to Pennsylvania dairy farm families, providing business and transition planning support and funding additional initiatives that strengthen the future of the state’s dairy industry. For more information, visit padairymens.com.