ABOUT
NDFSA History
The story of the Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations begins in 1928, when it was known as New York State Milk Distributors, Inc. The association was made up of districts from regions throughout the state. Each district sent in one delegate to form the original board of directors. The members were comprised of fluid milk processors and distributors. The first Executive Vice President of the association was J. Russell Fox, who served in this role from 1928 until 1972. The office eventually moved to Albany, New
York in the 1930’s.
After Fox retired in 1972, Edmund Towle replaced him as the second Executive Vice President of the association. Towle’s family owned a small dairy processing company in the Albany area. Edmund’s wife, Kate, was the
office manager and executive secretary during his tenure.
In 1978, the board of directors approved to change the name of the association to New York State Dairy Foods, Inc., to more adequately represent the entire dairy processing, manufacturing and distribution industry in the state as the membership expanded beyond fluid processors. Edmund and Kate both retired in 1992. Bruce W. Krupke was appointed the third Executive Vice President for the association in 1992, and the association’s office returned to North Syracuse in 1993. Bruce served as Executive Vice President until March of 2020. During the time period of 1970 through 2005, the dairy processing and manufacturing industry in New York experienced extensive consolidation. This was due to two main reasons; improved technology, and a decrease in sales of fluid milk consumption. Many family-owned dairy processing businesses who were members of the association were acquired by larger competition. In 1997, a contingent of seven New York City area milk processors and distributors agreed as a group to join the association for the first time. The addition of these companies solidified the association’s position as the only trade organization in the state to represent the dairy processing and manufacturing industry.
The original name of the suppliers’ organization was New York State Dairy Food Boosters, and in 2006, they merged with two other similar regional groups to form the Northeast Dairy Association, Inc. The merger unified the dairy vendor and suppliers into an association of over 225 members strong. Today, it is known as Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc., after the board of directors wanted to be more specific as it is a supplier/vendor organization, and officially changed the name in 2018. During the 19900’s and early 2000’s, there was another organization, the New England Milk Dealers Association based in Boston. It was later voted to disband the association. At the same time, it was becoming evident as large members of New York State Dairy Foods Association were asking the association to represent their interests in surrounding states outside of New York, especially as states began replicating legislation in other states. Due to continued consolidation within the industry and increased legislative and regulatory activity in neighboring states, the association expanded to better represent and advocate on behalf of the members. In September 2008, the board of directors approved the expansion of the association to include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont, and officially became Northeast Dairy Foods Association.
After Bruce passed away in March 2020, James “Ozzie” Orsillo was appointed as the fourth Executive Vice President of the associations. Ozzie resided in the Boston, Massachusetts area, and had an extensive background in dairy product packaging. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he implemented the staff’s ability to work remotely whilst serving the membership, while the association’s main office remained in Syracuse. Ozzie remained Executive Vice President until December 2022.
In 2023, the board of directors appointed Alex E. Walsh as Executive Director for the associations, becoming the fifth person in the 95-year history to serve in this capacity. Today, the associations comprised of nearly 300 processors, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers, from a local to international presence, conducting business in the northeast, and offers a suite of benefits and services to members to enhance operations. Since 1928, Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations have continued to grow the membership, influence with legislative and regulatory issues, expand services, and networking events and opportunities. Due to the experienced staff and leadership with the organization, the associations continue to rise as a prominent, trusted advocate and resource in the state capitols in the northeast, and in Washington.
Association Staff
The staff at Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations have a wealth of experience and are dedicated to serving our members. Our leadership team unifies the membership through dairy industry expertise, business knowledge, and pioneering vision.
Alex Walsh
Leanne Ziemba
Business Operations Manager
Gary Latta
Economic Consultant