IDFA’s Tipton named Executive of the Year

“Connie Tipton is a wonderful example for young association professionals aspiring to move up the ladder,” said Association Trends publisher, Jill Cornish. “She has worked hard to achieve the reputation as one of the most formidable lobbyists in Washington, highly regarded by her peers. She is the perfect choice for Association Executive of the Year.”

Tipton – who was the subject of a Dairy Innovation magazine profile in March 2007 – joined IDFA in 1981 and has been a senior executive for nearly 20 years.

She was promoted to vice president in 1989, to senior vice president in 1994 and to senior group vice president in 1999. She was promoted to executive vice president in January 2003 and took over as president and CEO the following year.

During her tenure, Tipton has helped to launch such well-known programmes as the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, has assisted in passing legislation to create the iconic ‘milk moustache’ campaign and other positive measures for the industry, and has helped promote policies that allow greater competition and growth in dairy markets.

Tipton also helped to build the industry’s political action committee – Ice Cream, Milk & Cheese PAC – and, in 2002, was selected by two Capitol Hill publications as one of the top trade association lobbyists in Washington.

She serves on numerous committees and boards in Washington DC, many related to agriculture policy, with special emphasis on dairy and sugar policies.