#United States #Women Leaders #Organic Valley #La Farge #Cooperative Principles

Organic Valley's New Leadership Team

Organic Valley, a pioneer in the organic food movement, has recently taken significant steps to strengthen its leadership team by promoting two remarkable women and introducing a new chief transformation officer role. This strategic initiative aligns with the cooperative's core values and addresses the evolving needs of its operations and the broader agricultural landscape.

Celebrating Women's Leadership in Cooperatives

In April 2025, Organic Valley announced the promotion of Cheree Tauschek and Kimberly Turnmire into high-ranking executive positions. With a combined experience of over 50 years, their ascent within the organization exemplifies the cooperative's commitment to fostering leadership from within. Tauschek has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Membership, while Turnmire has assumed the role of Executive Vice President of People.

Cheree Tauschek's journey with Organic Valley began in 2010 as a customer service representative. Her remarkable trajectory has seen her rise through various roles, most recently as the vice president for customer experience. Tauschek's leadership in shaping the cooperative's customer satisfaction strategies and overseeing significant changes, such as the ERP system upgrade, showcases her depth of expertise and commitment to excellence.

Kimberly Turnmire, on the other hand, brings an extensive leadership background in cooperatives, along with her ten years of serving at Organic Valley. As EVP of People, she is set to enhance the organization's human resources initiatives, focusing on strengthening employee engagement and fostering a positive organizational culture. Turnmire’s innovative approach and strategic vision are perfectly suited for leading the cooperative’s commitments in the UN's declared Year of Cooperatives in 2025.

Introducing a New Chief Transformation Officer

Alongside these promotions, Organic Valley has appointed Jerry McGeorge to the newly established position of Chief Transformation Officer. With nearly three decades of experience at Organic Valley, McGeorge is poised to steer the cooperative toward a future of strategic innovation and operational excellence. His pivotal role will encompass reimagining the cooperative's structure and enhancing its business strategies in line with the dynamic agricultural landscape.

Transitioning from his previous role as EVP of People, McGeorge has played an instrumental role in shaping Organic Valley's growth, particularly in establishing its AI strategy and guiding the organization through various changes. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the cooperative’s principles make him an ideal candidate to oversee transformative initiatives within the business.

Commitment to Cooperative Values

The leadership changes reflect a deep-rooted commitment to cooperative principles and the resilience of Organic Valley’s mission. CEO Shawna Nelson expressed her confidence in the newly promoted executives, stating that their dedication and contributions are vital to maintaining the cooperative's legacy while embracing innovation.

These new appointments underscore Organic Valley's focus on internal development and recognizing the valuable talent within its ranks. By promoting experienced leaders like Tauschek, Turnmire, and McGeorge, the cooperative aims to ensure a sustainable future that honors its foundations while progressing towards new horizons.

About Organic Valley

Founded in 1988, Organic Valley has grown to become the largest organic farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, comprising over 1,600 family farms. The cooperative is dedicated to supporting small organic family farms while promoting ethical, environmentally responsible farming practices. With a focus on quality and community, Organic Valley reaffirms its mission to safeguard organic agriculture and the cooperative values that unite its members.

For further information about Organic Valley and its products, visit their official website at ov.coop or follow them on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.