PAMD NAMES NEW EXEC DIRECTOR

Pennsylvania Association of Milk Dealers Names New Executive Director

BY CAROLINE K. REFF

You might find Rob Fulton taking in the scenic views, delicious food and beautiful wineries in the Pocono Mountains, visiting family in the lively city of Pittsburgh, enjoying the beaches along the shores of Lake Erie or even visiting Hershey Park, which is located near his home. Although not born and raised in Pennsylvania, you’d never know it, as Fulton has spent much of his career touting all the Keystone State has to offer. In March 2021, he took on yet another way to promote the state’s No. 1 industry when he was named the executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Milk Dealers.

A graduate of Penn State Harrisburg, Fulton has worked in a number of roles for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, as president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Executives, as president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Travel and Tourism, and, most recently, as the CEO and president of the Association of Independent Hospitality Professionals. Unfortunately, the pandemic devastated the travel and hospitality industry in 2020, resulting in Fulton being furloughed. After considering his career options, he decided his skill set might fit dairy processors — and he signed on with PAMD.

“I really do love Pennsylvania, and I wanted to use my leadership skills to continue to promote the state in some way,” he explained. “I had some experience in agritourism and promoting agriculture, so working for PAMD seemed like a great opportunity.”

Although he was familiar with the state’s agriculture industry, Fulton worked quickly to get up to speed on the issues surrounding the dairy industry and its huge impact on Pennsylvania’s economy. PAMD, which is a state trade association that promotes and advances the production, processing, storage, distribution and sale of milk and dairy products, currently has 19 members — all fluid processing plants that

Rob Fulton

Executive Director, PAMD

handle the majority of milk in Pennsylvania. Fulton’s primary role is to support the membership by monitoring regulatory and legislative actions and maintaining a strong working relationship with legislators and the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board, which regulates the state’s dairy industry.

“My primary focus is to keep the processing side of the dairy industry healthy and vibrant. Much of my work is to collaborate with those who regulate Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and provide insight to them about what our members are doing, what their concerns are and where they stand on the issues,” he explained. “On the flip side, it is also my responsibility to make sure our members are fully aware of proposed regulations or legislation and ensure they have a voice at the table.”

With his marketing background, Fulton has big plans to modernize some of the public-facing aspects of PAMD, which was founded in 1933. The association’s board of directors recently approved updating its logo and creating both a website and overall social media presence.

“These are essential elements to showing legislators and other government officials, those working within the dairy industry, consumers and other publics exactly who we are and what we do to support one of Pennsylvania’s most important industries,” he said. “PAMD has existed for decades but hasn’t devoted many resources to getting our story out there — but that’s about to change. With the support of our board members, it’s time to modernize our outreach, and I’m confident that my experience in the tourism and hospitality industries can really help serve our membership in this way.”

PAMD has 16 board members, which represent the majority of its membership, as well as an executive committee made up of eight.

“There are benefits to being a small organization,” Fulton explained. “Almost all of our members are engaged in what we do, and it’s easy for me to keep in touch with everyone, hear their concerns and make sure PAMD is accurately representing their needs.”

PAMD has had a connection with the Northeast Dairy Foods Association and the Northeast Dairy Supplier Association for a number of years, particularly in co-hosting the annual dairy convention. Fulton hopes to collaborate more closely with NDFA and NDSA in the future to the benefit of all three associations.

“This is an exciting time for PAMD. As the country starts to recover from the pandemic, we are taking steps to re-energize the association and make sure the great state of Pennsylvania knows what we do and what we stand for,” he said. “I am privileged to be a part of this organization, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the years ahead.”

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