VISALIA, Calif. — California Dairies Inc. (CDI), the nation’s second largest dairy processing cooperative, announced today the election of a new executive committee for the 2013-2014 term that includes the election of John Azevedo, former first vice chairman, to chairman of the board. Azevedo succeeds Brian Pacheco whose term as chairman has concluded. Pacheco will continue to serve on the board of directors and will remain on the executive committee as a member-at-large.

Also elected were John Bidart, former second vice chairman, to first vice chairman, and John Moons, former treasurer, to second vice chairman. Executive committee members, John Dores and Gary Bos, were re-elected to secretary and member-at-large, respectively. Board member Jamie Bledsoe will join the executive committee as treasurer.

“I am honored to have been elected chairman of the board at California Dairies, Inc. To be given an opportunity to represent the member-owners of the largest milk processing cooperative in the state of California is a responsibility I respectfully assume,” shared Azevedo. “It is an exciting time at California Dairies, Inc. as the cooperative grows its markets, its products and the return on investment to its member-owners. I look forward to the challenge of improving the cooperative and the California dairy industry.”

A member of the board of directors since 2007, Azevedo also serves on the California Dairies’ Political Action Committee, the Milk Fat Marketing Challenge Dairy Products, Inc. Committee, and the Finance and Capital Base Planning Committee. As chairman he will serve in an ex officio capacity on all committees.