DAIRY MAX - Key Persons

Adrian Castresana

Job Titles:

Director, Consumer Experience and Events
Director, Consumer Experience and Events / Texas

Adrian Castresana has more than 15 years of experience in consumer engagement, working for firms including The Marketing Arm and GMR Marketing. As a child athlete growing up, dairy and more specifically milk, was a huge part of his daily diet and today as a parent of two young children, Adrian incorporates dairy into the family's daily diet. He joined Dairy MAX in 2019, excited to merge his work background with his personal dietary choices, to spearhead engaging experiences that connect consumers with the dairy they eat and the farmers who produce it. Originally from Chicago, he now lives in Dallas with his wife and two daughters.

Angel Sanchez

Job Titles:

Logistics, Program Coordinator

Ashley Edstrom

Job Titles:

Member of the Board

Ashley Tanner

Job Titles:

Director, Health and Wellness
Director, Health and Wellness / Texas

Ashley Tanner might say this work is in her blood - and in her bones. She loves marketing thanks to a father and grandfather in sales, and she became fascinated with nutrition after discovering a calcium deficiency following a gymnastics injury at age 18. Now a registered dietitian nutritionist with over 20 years' experience, Ashley loves helping physicians improve patients' lives through nutrition and dairy. Before coming to Dairy MAX in 2020, she worked in sales and account management at Nestlé, where she earned several awards for impressive sales figures, and before that, worked as a clinical dietitian at Texas Health Resources. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees: one in nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin and one in clinical dietetics from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She previously served as president of the Fort Worth Dietetic Association. Ashley and her husband, Sean, live in Colleyville with their dog Marley.

Ashley Winfrey

Job Titles:

Dairy Nutrition Specialist, Health and Wellness

Ashley Winfrey combines award-winning work ethic, coaching skills and communication talents with experience in the health care and marketing industries. She joined Dairy MAX in May 2022 to fuel health and wellness programs in Louisiana. Previously a clinical liaison for Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals and an account executive with Amedisys, Ashley also has experience in sales and marketing with Boehringer Ingelheim, inVentiv Health, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and completed her dietetic internship in a graduate-level program, as well as her Bachelor of Science in food and nutrition, at McNeese State University. In her spare time, Ashley and her husband love spending time on the river with their five kids and two doodles.

Becky Richardson

Job Titles:

Vice President, School Marketing
Vice President, School Marketing / Texas

Becky's love for teaching is what drew her to the School Marketing position with Dairy MAX. With over 20 years of experience in sales and education, Becky has discovered her passion and desire to impact students' lives and make a difference in the community. Early on Becky admits she stumbled into the profession of education marketing and sales with a bit of hesitation, but then discovered the synergy in teaching and sales was the desire to help someone or something grow so she began her path down education sales and has never looked back. She notes the key themes of advocating with purpose, harnessing the power of passion and relationships to reinforce trust and drive sales for future generations is what drew her to Dairy MAX. Dairy MAX is an organization that aligns with Becky's personal principles, her passion for positively impacting her community and a place where she feels she can continue to grow and learn professionally. In her free time she enjoys DIY projects, University of Central Florida football and family camping. Becky and her husband Brian have two children, Ava and Tripp. One food you'd want if stranded on a desert island: Cheese! I love all cheeses, so I wouldn't even be picky.

Bill Keating

Job Titles:

Territory Manager, Industry Image and Relations

Bill Keating brings more than 35 years of experience in dairy processing to his position at Dairy MAX (Western Dairy Association before the merger) - including 10 years of managing a large-scale fluid milk and culture dairy processing plant. Bill joined Western Dairy Association in 2012 and managed Industry Image and Relations. Bill attended University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Regis University. He loves golf, skiing and playing guitar and has two adult daughters. He lives in his hometown of Colorado Springs.

Blake Romney

Job Titles:

Manager, Integrated Communications
Manager, Integrated Communications / Texas

Blake Romney was looking for the opportunity to promote a message he was passionate about, so he joined Dairy MAX in 2020 - finding the proud, Americana story of dairy farmers and sustainability to be well worth telling. He brings more than 10 years of experience in digital strategy and production, including five years in the food and beverage industry, with companies such as Whataburger and American Airlines. Blake holds a double major in broadcast journalism and Spanish from Brigham Young University. He made Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, and has served as an assistant scout leader and as a youth leader at his church. He and his wife, Erika, are raising their three kids in San Antonio, Texas.

Blanca Duron

Job Titles:

Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant / Texas

Blanca Duron is the warm voice on the other end of the line when you call the Dairy MAX office. She came to Dairy MAX in 2007. Blanca also enjoys sewing, crocheting and jewelry-making. She works in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Brennen Johnson

Job Titles:

Territory Manager, Industry Image and Relations
Territory Manager, Industry Image and Relations / Texas

Brennen Johnson cultivated a love for agriculture growing up on a cotton farm. He left to earn a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary agriculture from Texas Tech University and work a stint at Public Relations CHS, Inc. - then found his way back to agriculture, buying a new house on his family farm. Brennen joined Dairy MAX in February 2015 as a program coordinator and also spends his time driving a tractor and helping on the farm, catering and cooking competition BBQ and working with kids on livestock projects. He lives in Ropesville, Texas with his fiance Paige and his dog Blaze.

Britt Dinis

Job Titles:

Member of the Board

Candace Bell

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Manager, Partnership Marketing
Manager, Partnership Marketing / Texas

Candace joined the Dairy MAX team in 2019 to help expand the council's higher education and esports efforts building new relationships to connect Gen Z to the farm to table story. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. After supporting over thirteen universities across four states as senior district marketing manager for Aramark, Candace brings over seven years of experience in food service management and marketing to the business development team. Candace is a former board member of her local Keep Texas Beautiful chapter and an active member of Texas Junior Forum. A Grand Prairie native, she now lives in Dallas-Fort Worth with her husband, Mitch, daughter, Annalee, and dog, Lucy Lu.

Casey Devries

Job Titles:

Member of the Board

Christina Roach

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Sales Manager, Business Development

Christina joined the Dairy MAX team in January 2024 fueled by her passion to drive business growth, maximize sales and make a positive, lasting impact on communities through dairy education and advocacy. With a Bachelor's degree in human development from Metropolitan State University of Denver, Christina has held roles at Pearson Education and as a culturally and linguistically diverse elementary teacher, providing a unique perspective that will contribute to the success of the business development team. Residing in Denver with her husband Mike, twin daughters Adelyn and Brooklyn, and son Cade, Christina enjoys CrossFit and the balanced lifestyle it promotes.

Dana Head

Job Titles:

Administrative Assistant

Dana Head joined Dairy MAX (then Western Dairy Association before the merger) in 2017 after many years of administrative work, including for a family business. Now she is proud to represent local dairy farm families and to support our mission. Dana is passionate about teaching in the children's ministry at her church and is a regular parent volunteer at her children's school. She was a 1st Place Gold Medal Winner in the 2001 Art Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Dana lives in Westminster, Colorado with her three children.

Elan Carmichael

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Manager, Business Development Communications
Manager, Business Development Communications / Texas

Elan Carmichael fell in love with the art and strategy of communications while earning her English degree at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She went on to earn an MBA with a marketing concentration from Georgia Tech and then collected more than 10 years of marketing communications experience for companies including Capital One, Chick-fil-A and L'Oréal, as well as the McDonald's account while at Moroch. After living in New York and Washington, D.C., and studying in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Elan is excited to be back in her native Dallas to jump into the dairy world. She and her husband, Corey, have two daughters.

Elizabeth Hurst

Job Titles:

Director, Corporate Communications

Elizabeth Hurst fell in love with marketing after falling out of love with the music business. She earned a Bachelor of Science in recording industry management from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in organizational leadership from Columbus State University. She worked in the Nashville music industry for a while, then landed at a PR and advertising agency, where she instantly felt at home helping clients tell their stories. Elizabeth worked for the likes of Klyde Warren Park, Uptown Columbus and DVL Seigenthaler before coming to Dairy MAX for the chance to do the marketing she loved while spending more time with her family. She and her husband, Logan, live in Texas with their son, Michael.

Essence Riley

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Director, Partnership Marketing

Genesis Sanchez

Job Titles:

Administrative Meeting Planner

Gina Hernandez

Job Titles:

Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant / Texas

Gina Hernandez has a heart for service and a newfound passion for working with dairy farmers. For 20 years, she worked as an executive assistant, serving Academic Partnerships, Baylor Scott & White Health and The Dallas Morning News. She came to Dairy MAX in June 2016 inspired by the leadership she saw, as well as the hard work shown by dairy farmers. Gina currently lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, and has two children, Jennifer and Austin, and grandchildren, Tyler, Peyton and Michael.

Greg Timpany

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Business & Insights Analyst, Business Development

Greg joins Dairy MAX as the Business and Insights Analyst. Earning his MBA in Management Information Systems and Marketing from California State University, Greg brings over 20 years of expertise in market research, consumer insights, competitive intelligence and database marketing. His interest in Dairy MAX stems from his passion in helping others and admiring the work the organization does in support of the farmers that feed us. He looks forward to being able to tell the farmers' stories in a different way through his work in data collection and analysis. Greg was born in Tucson, Arizona, but currently resides in Greensboro, North Carolina with his wife, Stephanie and daughter, Lillie.

Gretchen Crichton

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Director, Innovation and Insights
Director, Innovation and Insights / Texas

Gretchen Crichton is a big believer in health and wellness - as well as the values and history of the dairy industry - so she was excited to join Dairy MAX as business development manager in November 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas State University and 15 years of experience in marketing and PR at McDonald's Corporation and at Culver Public Relations. Named the 2005 Marketing Manager of the Year for McDonald's West Division, and the recipient of the 2014 National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Gretchen is also active in the local PTO and serves as the School Health Advisory chair for the local ISD. She and her husband Scott live in Coppell, Texas with their sons Andrew and Luke.

Jaclyn Alkhatib

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Manager, Partnership Marketing

Jaclyn Alkhatib has a passion for sharing great nutrition information through business channels, and for developing partnerships that ensure dairy and dairy farmers are well represented. She especially enjoys working with athletes of all ages to educate the importance of proper nutrition for optimal performance on and off the field. Jaclyn earned her bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and human nutrition from SUNY College at Buffalo State. After many years of working in the weight loss industry and as a personal trainer, she joined the Western Dairy Association, which merged with Dairy MAX in 2018. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she now lives in Thornton, Colorado, with her family.

Jasmine Williams

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Manager, Dallas Cowboys Partnership

Jasmine Williams strives to apply her motto, "with love," to every part of her life and work. The daughter of a coach, she grew up with a passion for sports and for connecting with people. Dairy MAX offered the ideal opportunity to put both of those passions to work for her community. Jasmine earned her bachelor's degree in marketing at Louisiana State University and went on to work in growth and business development, community relations, events and entertainment, recruiting, and more, for organizations including UnitedHealth Group, PDQ Restaurants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LSU Football and the Washington Football Team. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she moved to Dallas to join the Dairy MAX team in 2021. In her spare time, Jasmine loves yoga and trying new restaurants, and recently received her MBA at Southern Methodist University.

Jayce Winters

Job Titles:

Director, Preparedness and Response
Director, Preparedness and Response / Kansas

Jayce Winters didn't think she'd land in the agricultural industry, as she was drawn toward communications - but she grew up working on a ranch in western Kansas and found she couldn't escape her passion for the people who raise our food. Both loves came into harmony through a Bachelor of Science in agriculture media and communication from West Texas A&M University, plus minors in animal science and mass communication. Jayce then built up 10 years of experience in public relations working for Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Cattle Empire and Texas Cattle Feeders Association before joining Dairy MAX in September 2022. In her spare time, Jayce also uses her advocacy skills to speak up for children who have experienced abuse and neglect as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). She and her husband, Brandon, have two children and live in Ulysses, Kansas.

Jeff Springer

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Sales Manager, Business Development
Sales Manager, Business Development / Texas

Jeff joined the Dairy MAX team in November 2023 and brings ten years of experience in the dairy industry, including dairy sales in schools across seven states within our region and serving as a board member of MilkPEP from 2015-2019. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Management from Northwestern University. Throughout his professional career he has held general management and sales leadership roles at reputable companies such as Kraft, Pepsi and Dean Foods. Jeff brings experience in implementing cross-functional strategies, driving profitable growth and establishing new business ventures, along with a passion for the dairy industry and a commitment to positively impacting future generations. Jeff's life is guided by the belief that "nothing happens until someone sells something." His hobbies include building and designing, from swing sets and cornhole boards to raised garden beds and workbenches. Jeff and his wife, Lori, live in Allen, Texas and have two children, Lauren and Matthew, and three grandchildren.

Jennie McDowell - Chief Strategy Officer

Job Titles:

Chief Strategy Officer
Member of the Business Development Team
Chief Strategy Officer / Texas

Jennie McDowell grew up on a farm in Wyoming and got her first horse at age 3. While earning her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at New Mexico State University, she worked at restaurants, and soon took over a restaurant and catering operation in New Mexico. Jennie later traveled to New Zealand to earn her Master of Business Administration from the University of Otago, where she also served as a business strategy consultant and helped develop the first authentic Chinese Garden in the southern hemisphere. Jennie now lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is thrilled to help Dairy MAX support American agriculture and promote a product she's proud of.

Jim Deaton

Job Titles:

Member of the Board
Treasurer, Braum 's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores

Jim Docheff

Job Titles:

Member of the Board

John Boer

Job Titles:

Member of the Board

John Cass

Job Titles:

Director, Industry Image and Relations
Director, Industry Image and Relations / Texas

John Cass grew up in Friona, TX on a stocker steer and dryland farming operation. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in animal science from Texas Tech before spending 18 years working in sales and finance at companies including Hoffmann-La Roche, Cargill and Toyota. He came to Dairy MAX in 2014 because he missed the agricultural industry. John currently lives in College Station, TX. John has two children, one in Jr. High and one in college.

Jolie Dubois

Job Titles:

Manager, School Marketing Communications

Jolie Dubois grew up in a family-run business and wanted to make an impact for other family-owned operations, so she joined the Dairy MAX team in 2022 to leverage her passion for marketing communications. With a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Wyoming, Jolie brings six years of experience as a marketing manager, communications and interactive marketing manager, and more for Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and enjoys reading, home improvement projects and spending time outdoors. A native of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Jolie currently lives in Denver with her dog and cat.

Jordan Toliver

Job Titles:

Leader
Logistics, Warehouse Coordinator
Logistics, Warehouse Coordinator / Texas

Jordan is a natural leader who understands the importance of hard work, determination and the dedication it takes to achieve a greater goal. While earning his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Central Arkansas, he played football for the school and served as the team's captain from 2015 to 2017. This leadership experience served him well in his sales and inventory management career after college working for employers like Primerica Financial Services, Zica Auto Sales and Body, and A Plus Student Staffing. For Dairy MAX, he will help optimize warehouse efficiency while meeting the organization's increased event and activity needs. Jordan currently lives in Duncanville, Texas, and in his spare time enjoys playing and watching sports, outdoor activities and staying fit.

Josh Srader

Job Titles:

Member of the Business Development Team
Manager, Business Development
Manager, Business Development / Texas

Josh Srader has always enjoyed feeding people, one way or another. He earned a Bachelor of Science in family and consumer sciences with a concentration in hospitality management and culinary from Lamar University. Moving into the sales and distribution side of the business after college, he has built up more than 15 years of experience, most recently as a category growth specialist in dairy and fresh produce. There, he discovered a love for the dairy industry that led him to the Dairy MAX team in August 2022. Josh has previously been recognized for outstanding sales support and excellence for his work at Performance Foodservice, Glazier Foods and Sysco Foods. He and his wife Sarah live in Houston with two daughters and a pack of cats and dogs. They spend their free time traveling in their motorhome and exploring nature.

Julie Stefko

Job Titles:

Director of School Marketing, Sales and Operations
Director of School Marketing, Sales and Operations / Texas

Julie Stefko finds Dairy MAX to be the perfect intersection of two lifelong passions, from her childhood in a rural community - where she developed a deep appreciation for famers - to her 20-year career in youth physical activity and wellness. Originally from Indianola, Iowa, Julie earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Wyoming and a Master of Science from Texas Woman's University. She went on to serve as a physical education teacher and head volleyball coach at McKinney Independent School District, associate director of youth initiatives at The Cooper Institute, and portfolio advisor for healthy living at the American Heart Association. Through her passions and work life, Julie has earned the Susan B. Sterling Ph.D. Award at The Cooper Institute and the Commissioner's Award from the City of McKinney Athletics Department. Julie joined Dairy MAX in 2021 and now lives in Dallas with her husband, Michael, and their son.

Kaci McClatchy Creel

Job Titles:

Vice President, Communications
Vice President, Communications / Texas

Kaci Creel grew up on a beef cattle and wheat farm, so she has a passion for bridging the gap between consumers, who don't know much about the origins of their food, with farmers, who dedicate their lives to growing it. Formerly the urban relations director for the Texas Farm Bureau, with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and a minor in advertising, Kaci came to Dairy MAX in 2009. She lives in Olney, Texas, with her daughter, Harper.

Kamy Whatley

Job Titles:

Territory Manager, Industry Image & Relations
Territory Manager, Industry Image & Relations / Texas

Kamy joins the Dairy MAX team with 20 years of experience in the agriculture industry. Having been involved in production agriculture all of her life, Kamy is passionate about advocating for agriculture and educating consumers so they can make informed decisions. She believes there is no other group of people that work harder than those involved in production agriculture and she feels very connected to those that produce food for the world. She most recently taught Agriculture Science to the students at Groom ISD, but she has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant in Meat Science and Muscle Biology and Ag Education and Communications at her alma mater, Texas Tech University. Kamy also spends time helping her husband, CJ, around the family farm and particularly with their chemical herbicide company. She enjoys volunteering with 4-H students, Alpha Mu Xi and presiding over the Carson County 4-H Adult Leaders Association. When she's not busy with her volunteer efforts you can find her experimenting with smoking various meats. Kamy and her husband reside in Groom, TX with their four children.