Deb Barlament Green Bay, Wisconsin Development Director Dairy Business Association (DBA)
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a degree from Colorado College in business management; in library science from University of Wisconsin – Green Bay; and I am a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Describe your agriculture background.
For the past eight years, I worked closely with producers that were planning to expand their operations. I served on the executive board for Wisconsin Farm Technology Days/Brown County & Outagamie County. I currently serve on the Brown County Dairy Promotions Board, as well as assisting in the planning of agriculture events to educate urban consumers and support producers.
What are your new responsibilities?
I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of DBA membership recruitment and retention by building long-term relationships with producers and dairy/agriculture-related vendors, along with marketing the organization’s ideas and image. I will also work to develop and enhance DBA events.
What previous positions have you held?
Most recently, I spent eight years as vice president of operations and business development with Bayland Buildings; two years as general manager of the Green Bay Blizzard arena football team; and 16 years as a vice president at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
The opportunity to be involved with a group of dynamic people that work tirelessly to move the dairy industry forward.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
As Wisconsin’s farmers continue working to meet the growing demand for healthy and nutritious food, I will serve as a resource for producers. We are entering a period of growth and expansion in Wisconsin’s dairy industry. It’s important to provide a favorable business and political environment that supports a flourishing dairy industry.
Why did you choose this organization?
I worked closely with DBA in my previous position. I admired the passion and commitment the executive director and business manager have in their hearts for the dairy industry. I wanted to be part of an organization like that.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I look forward to helping DBA continue to grow as the premier dairy organization in Wisconsin. With agriculture being an ever-changing industry, I believe it’s necessary to build strong alliances, as well as to bring industry and dairy producers together so they can achieve their goals. PD
