Sheila Burkhardt, MMPA Chief Corporate Affairs Office, recipient of the 2025 Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award
In every industry, there are individuals whose contributions extend far beyond their job titles, those that shape the course of progress, lift up others and leave a legacy of excellence. In Michigan’s dairy industry, that is Sheila Burkhardt.
This year, Sheila was named the recipient of the 2025 Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award at the Michigan Dairy Industry Conference. A recognition that reflects nearly four decades of unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and humble service to Michigan’s dairy industry.
Raised on her family’s dairy farm in Lowell, Michigan, Sheila and her three siblings developed a firsthand understanding of the grit and commitment it takes to be a dairy farmer from doing chores, feeding calves and milking cows. This hands-on experience is what helps Sheila better understand MMPA’s members and meet their needs.
“I understand the work ethic that farmers have and that’s where I learned a lot of the responsibility that goes with operating a dairy farm,” Sheila explains. “I have a lot of respect for dairy farmers and the work they do every day. The ability to work for them and help make a difference is what keeps me going. I feel fortunate to be working in an industry that I grew up in and have a deep appreciation for.”
Though she chose not to return to the farm after college, Sheila’s path never strayed far from its influence. After graduating with a degree in agricultural communications from Michigan State University, Sheila joined MABC-Select Sires. Just seven months later, a connection through 4-H led her to an opening at MMPA.
“4-H exposed me to so many different things in the industry that I probably would not have had the opportunity to experience without the program,” Sheila describes. “In addition to growing up on an MMPA member farm, I was further introduced to MMPA through participation in the MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour when it was held at the Southfield MMPA office. My involvement through 4-H helped lead me to the position at MMPA.”
In 1988, then General Manager, Walt Wosje, hired Sheila to lead what was essentially a one-person Member Relations department, with an administrative assistant by her side.
“Shortly after I became General Manager of MMPA, the Director of Member Relations & Public Affairs retired,” stated Walt. “I was faced with hiring a new person for this very important position. I did not want to miss on this critical appointment. The attributes I was looking for was a person with youth (for longevity in the position), energy, a bright personality, knowledge of the dairy industry and dedication to the company. After interviewing several candidates, it was very apparent to me that Sheila was the person who checked all the boxes. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Sheila. She is a “top notch” person in all respects. I congratulate her in receiving the 2025 Michigan Dairy Service Award.”
Sheila recalls, “When I started, we had 12 districts and 60 locals, which all had in-person meetings that were organized through phone and mail correspondence. There weren’t any computers or email at the time, yet organizing over 100 member meetings in a year was not unusual.”
Her position also included organizing various member educational programs, working through legislative issues, and at the time managing the weekly industry update radio show with the Michigan Farm Radio Network.
Over the years, Sheila’s career grew alongside the cooperative. Her position evolved to incorporate work with communications and the member services team. Today, she serves as secretary on the board of directors and remains deeply involved in government relations, legislative work and industry strategy.
Reflecting on that evolution, she says, “Learning about the legislative side of my responsibilities, I basically just had to jump in and learn from the resources that were available at the time. There wasn’t any internet to look things up or emails to ask questions.”
Many of the resources are those she continues to turn to today, including the National Milk Producers Federation and other groups who helped her understand the impact of legislative issues on dairy producers and how to create change. It marked the beginning of Sheila forming relationships and partners that would go on to define her career and make her the industry titan she is today.
“Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with MMPA general managers/President/CEOs who have been great mentors for me – from Walt Wosje and John Dilland to Joe Diglio. They are all passionate about dairy and MMPA’s success and are well respected in the industry,” she says. “That also goes for the Board Chairmen that I have worked closely with, originally Elwood Kirkpatrick, then Ken Nobis and now Doug Chapin. I have learned a lot from them and the dedication they have to the dairy industry.”
These mentors are behind Sheila’s steady leadership, providing a deep well of guidance and example who have shaped her approach and strengthened her commitment to the cooperative’s mission. Due in part to their influence, Sheila has played a key role in many of MMPA’s most historic milestones: the co-op’s hundredth-year anniversary, the 2023 organizational restructuring and countless decisions that have positioned MMPA better in the marketplace. With thoughtfulness and precision, she helps guide from concept to reality, ensuring member voices are heard, governance remains strong and the organization is positioned for growth.
Of all her achievements, she points to the 2023 restructure as one of the most meaningful. “It wasn’t my accomplishment,” she says humbly, “but it’s something I’m proud to have helped make happen. It was a result of a lot of work and input from the membership and so meaningful to see the proposal receive unanimous support.”
Sheila’s leadership was equally vital in times of crisis. From navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 to responding to the recent spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds, Sheila coordinated with government agencies, industry partners and members to keep communication clear and timely during periods of uncertainty.
“I will never forget maneuvering through COVID-19,” Sheila states. “The impacts that followed not only from a member meeting perspective moving to more virtual, but through legislative efforts, supply chain issues, working with food banks, communications, etc. were massive.”
Those who work closely with Sheila describe her as open-minded and fully committed to the people she serves. She is always looking at things from other’s perspective to come up with a solution that she knows will best achieve what everybody wants. Whether working with state lawmakers, MMPA board members or the next generation of agricultural leaders, she is trusted to listen, deliver and find solutions that move the industry forward.
“Sheila is the consummate professional who embodies the spirit of the dairy industry through connections and expertise. Her innate ability to stay connected to the ever-changing dairy environment demonstrates her commitment and dedication to not only our member-owners but to all dairy producers,” states Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO.” “She has been a great leader and champion for our MMPA team as well as instrumental in partnering with me on initiatives that algin on our vision. I can’t think of a more worthy person to receive this amazing award.”
Her service extends beyond MMPA as well. Sheila serves, or has served on, numerous boards, including the Michigan 4-H Foundation, Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation, Michigan Livestock Expo, Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and the Midwest Council on Agriculture. Her resume is impressive, but she’s quick to shift the credit to those around her.
Outside of work, Sheila enjoys spending time with her family, but even in that, MMPA played a role.
With a laugh, she explains, “I met my husband on a blind date set up by someone that worked in the member services department at the time.”
It’s a fitting example of how deeply connected Sheila’s personal and professional life has been. But her influence reaches far beyond moments like these. She helped modernize an organization steeped in tradition while remaining rooted in the values that matter, integrity, hard work and service to members. She’s been the bridge between generations, technologies and ideas, all while staying true to her roots and being motivated by the simple “ability to make an impact.”
Today, the Michigan dairy community honors not only her accomplishments, but the way she accomplished them, with humility, excellence and heart.
“I was very surprised when I had heard I received the Michigan Dairy Industry Service Award,” Sheila states. “I am deeply honored and very humbled to receive the award.”
This article was originally published in the July/August 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »