Southeast Milk Inc. (SMI), a full-service dairy cooperative based in Florida, unanimously voted to promote Shawn Dyal to CEO. Since April, Dyal had been serving as interim CEO.

Dyal has worked in dairy for over 20 years, across varying aspects of the dairy value chain.

“Shawn‘s work ethic is much like that of a dairy farmer; he is willing to put in the time that it takes to make the right decisions and get the job done,” SMI President Jacob Larson said. “His focus on our customers and servicing the fluid milk needs of the market is exemplary. It has been very impressive to see him put together a management team so charged in executing the mission and purpose of Southeast Milk.”

Dyal began his career with SMI in 1996 as an employee of one of SMI’s predecessor cooperatives, Tampa Independent Dairy Farmers' Association, Inc. He continued to grow in the organization, rising to the role of director of supply for SMI. In 2016, he began working for IBA Inc. as a dairy specialist focused on milk quality throughout the Southeast, Texas and New Mexico. In May 2021, Dyal returned to SMI to direct the growing farm supply and service business.

“I am truly humbled by this opportunity,” Dyal said. “In short order, we have built a really strong leadership team, which will allow us to build a shared vision for the future of this cooperative — a future of sustained success for our farms, our communities and our customers.”