National Dairy Shrine Names New Executive Director

FORT ATKINSIN, WI — National Dairy Shrine is pleased to announce that Mike Opperman will become Executive Director for the organization on August 1, succeeding Dr. David Selner who is retiring on July 31.

Opperman comes to National Dairy Shrine with more than 30 years of dairy and agriculture-industry experience, including 15 years with the marketing communications agency Charleston|Orwig, and nearly 4 years as Director of Dairy Content for Farm Journal.  He currently owns his own communications and public relations firm, Black Dirt Communications, in Fort Atkinson, Wis.

“Dr. Selner has worked tirelessly for National Dairy Shrine throughout his career, especially over these last 13 years as Executive Director.  His passion and knowledge of the dairy industry is second to none,” says Nate Janssen, National Dairy Shrine board president. “We knew the day would come when Dr. Selner would want to retire, and we are confident that Mike, with his extensive industry experience, will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Selner.”

Dr. Selner took over leadership of National Dairy Shrine in 2008. Over his tenure the National Dairy Shrine has seen significant growth, including the number and amount of scholarships awarded to young people. In addition, Dr. Selner oversaw renovations to the National Dairy Shrine Museum to improve educational opportunities and the visitor experience.

“I have considered it a great honor to serve as the NDS Executive Director,” says Selner. “I believe that NDS mission goals have evolved, improved, and grown over the last several years but it is now time to move forward with a younger Executive Director with new enthusiasm and ideas.”

“I’m humbled to be chosen as Executive Director and follow in a long lineage of dairy dignitaries that have held this position,” says Opperman. “The National Dairy Shrine has a rich history and I look forward to preserving that tradition with a focus toward future development and improvements that fit the mission and vision of the organization.”

The office headquarters for National Dairy Shrine will transfer from Denmark, WI to Ft. Atkinson, WI commencing on August 1, concurrent with Opperman assuming the Executive Director position. The new contact information for the National Dairy Shrine office is as follows:

National Dairy Shrine, PO Box 68, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538  Phone: (920) 542-1003