Karianne Fallow Chief Executive Officer Eagle, Idaho Idaho Dairy Products Commission
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s of public administration from Boise State University.
Please describe your agricultural background.
My professional experience in government relations, public affairs and public relations was appealing to the Idaho Dairy Products Commission (IDPC) board because the organization is tasked with promoting Idaho’s dairy industry.
For nearly 15 years, I have acted in a brand promotion capacity for my employers and clients. In my former roles with Walmart and Albertsons, I managed a number of agricultural issues including: food safety; the Farm Bill, Country of Origin Labeling, Dairy Compacts, SNAP, health and nutrition and other agriculture-related issues.
More importantly, I am a firm believer in feeding my family foods that help us remain healthy and active. You couldn’t ask for more wholesome products like milk, cheese or yogurt!
What territory will you cover?
I will work for dairy families in Idaho. However, Idaho’s dairy products are exported around the world. We will continue to seek ways to increase the national and global presence of Idaho’s best-in-class dairy products.
What are your new responsibilities?
As CEO, I am responsible for leading the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategy with a focus on creating value for Idaho’s dairies. In this role, I will work closely with the IDPC team, producer groups, distributors and public and national organizations to establish programs designed to effectively increase demand for Idaho dairy products.
What previous positions have you held?
I have been the director of public affairs and business development at Red Sky Public Relations. I was also senior manager of government relations and public affairs for Walmart Stores Inc. and the director of government relations at Albertsons. I interned for Idaho Association of Counties and was a firefighter for Lower Snake River District BLM and Boise National Forest.
For volunteer work, I have served or am currently serving as president for Go Lead Idaho, as the vice chair for the Eagle Historic Preservation Commission and as a board member for Idaho Voices for Children. I am also president for the University of Oregon Alumni Association, Treasure Valley chapter and a board member for the American Red Cross, greater Idaho chapter.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
There have been so many positive influences in my life. It would be hard to name them individually. I can tell you that the most influential people, for me, have been the people who are most open to collaboration and information sharing as a means to success.
There are those managers who withhold information as a way of controlling power and there are those who share information to make the team stronger. I prefer the latter because teams are stronger when they’re working together and in the same direction.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I hope that I can bring a different perspective to Idaho’s dairy industry. Given my background, and having worked for the world’s largest retailer as well as a small strategic communication agency, I think I can bring an invigorating perspective.
I have a lot of energy, a knack for strategic planning and a strong respect for agricultural professions. In addition, I believe that beyond all else, the dairy industry has a compelling and undeniably positive story, and I want to be a part of the team that shares that story.
Why did you choose this company?
Idaho is the third largest dairy producing state in the country. Dairy brings in more revenue to the state than any other agricultural commodity, including potatoes. Idaho’s dairy families are committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, innovation in the industry and quality and wholesomeness in production.
Moreover, all but one of Idaho’s dairy farms are family owned and operated. These families have a legacy of giving back to their communities. Like them, I love Idaho and am excited to join them in achieving great potential.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
While it would be premature to speculate on our specific goals, I can say that I’m very excited to work with the team and the board of directors to further the efforts of the IDPC.
That said, the organization works hard to increase demand for Idaho’s dairy products, promote the dairy industry as a leader in innovation and further the reputation of Idaho’s dairy farmers as important contributing members of their communities. With growing support for the dairy industry among a diverse set of stakeholders, we have real opportunity to showcase our positive impacts across the world.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope that in five years, I’ll have made meaningful and successful contributions to the IDPC in a way that positions the organization in a leadership position among our peers throughout the country. If I do my job well, I hope to continue leading the organization, working with the board of directors and collaborating with the team. PD
