Jan 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Connie Tipton has become president and chief executive officer of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), after the December 31 retirement of her husband, E Linwood “Tip” Tipton from the helm of the nation's largest dairy foods association. The succession plan was announced by the IDFA Executive Board one year ago.

During her 22 years at IDFA, Connie Tipton has helped launch well-known programs such as the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, has assisted in passing legislation to create the “milk mustache” campaign and other positive measures for the industry, and has helped promote policies that allow greater competition and growth in dairy markets. IDFA has an annual budget of about $12 million and employs 52 people in its Washington DC office.

Her husband has announced the formation of his new consulting and lobbying firm: The Tipton Group Inc. This company is on Capitol Hill in Washington, and its clients will include companies, nations, and others interested in food industry issues and management services.