WI Native Becomes COO of National Milk Producers Federation

By CnAgri Print

Retiring Senator Herb Kohl's chief of staff has been hired as the new chief operating officer of the National Milk Producers Federation. Jim Mulhern, a veteran public affairs professional with three decades of government policy and communications experience in Washington, D.C., will join the dairy group's staff on January 1 in a newly created position.

As COO, Mulhern will report to president and CEO Jerry Kozak and have direct oversight of the communications, government relations, and membership functions of the organization.

"As the scope of NMPF's activities has broadened in recent years, and as we plan for the future, we are fortunate to bring Jim on board to help the organization and its members with the significant challenges our industry is facing," Kozak said. "Jim's deep knowledge of both the dairy industry and Capitol Hill, coupled with his demonstrated ability to get things done, will greatly benefit National Milk. His strategic insight and extensive network of contacts both inside and outside the Beltway perfectly complement our existing capabilities."

Mulhern has an extensive dairy industry background, including earlier work with NMPF. A Wisconsin native, Mulhern began his professional career working for a dairy cooperative in Madison. He came to Washington in 1983 and joined the staff of NMPF in 1985 before returning to Capitol Hill to serve as chief of staff to Senator Kohl.

Jim has also worked in senior management positions for Fleishman-Hillard, the Fratelli Group, and Watson/Mulhern LLC.