The leading association for manufactured dairy products, American Dairy Products Institute, recently announced the appointment of Dale Kleber as the organization's new chief executive officer. Kleber will assume the new role on October 27. A proven industry leader, Kleber, will be responsible for guiding ADPI's executive team and furthering ADPI's mission.

"This position is critical to the success of ADPI programs. We are fortunate to have found Dale. His unique skill set complements our organization well and we look forward to the positive direction his vast experience will provide as we move forward in our efforts to advance dairy products in both domestic and international markets," notes Rick Kaepernick, President of the Board of Directors, ADPI.

Kleber offers ADPI a diverse dairy industry background with more than 20 years of experience in dairy and food-related businesses, including service as a senior executive officer of one of the country's largest, publicly-traded dairy companies. During the course of his career, Kleber has practiced as a corporate attorney and brings to the position additional expertise in government relations, having served as a senior Congressional staff member.

"ADPI is a truly unique organization composed of quality-oriented organizations from all segments of the dairy industry - processors, both private and cooperative, ingredient manufacturers, suppliers and other industry participants. I look forward to working with the many talented and dedicated individuals within ADPI to grow the awareness of and the demand for nutritious processed dairy products, and to support the continued success of ADPI members," stated Kleber.

After graduating from VanderbiltUniversity in 1978 with a degree in business administration, Kleber served as the Press Secretary and the Chief Legislative Aide, respectively, for two U.S. Congressmen. Thereafter, he returned to Vanderbilt and graduated from the School of Law in 1983, while serving on the school's Law Review.

Beginning his legal career with one of Chicago's largest law firms, now know as DLA Piper, Kleber soon moved in-house to work for a publicly-held food manufacturing company. He then joined Dean Foods Company where he worked for fourteen years, holding the position of Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel. He also served on the company's operating committee while Dean Foods was headquartered in the Chicago area. After the company was acquired, Kleber was a founding member of a dairy cost consulting firm also based in the Chicago area.

Kleber, 52, his wife Margie and their four children have resided in Hinsdale, Illinois for the past twenty years.

ADPI
The American Dairy Products Institute was formed in April 1986 through a merger of the 61-year-old American Dry Milk Institute (ADMI) and the 15-year-old Whey Products Institute (WPI). In April 1997, ADPI expanded the scope of the organization by further merging with the Evaporated Milk Association. A cheese division was established in 1997.

The leading association for manufactured dairy products, ADPI's main purpose is to effectively communicate the many positive attributes and benefits of its members' products. Additionally, ADPI serves its membership by offering the most current industry information available and by collaborating with dairy associations to represent members' interests before state and federal regulatory agencies.

Current membership includes manufacturers of evaporated and dry milks, cheese and whey products; firms that provide supplies and services to processors; and many companies that either use these manufactured dairy products or are otherwise involved in the industry. While the majority of ADPI members are located in the U.S., the organization represents members from more than 15 countries. For more information, visit our website at www.adpi.org.