Governance
The Federation is governed by a board of ten (10) directors elected to represent the four (4) districts in the state, as well as two (2) at-large positions. These board members are required to be dairy farmers in the district they represent for at least 5 years and be on record as a member of good standing at the Federation office. The Board of Directors, with the guidance of the bylaws and resolutions, formulates and sets policies for the Federation.
2025 Board of Directors
District 1, Position 1 – Terry Lenssen
District 1, Position 2 – Chris Sybrandy
District 1, Position 3 – Vacant
District 2, Position 4 – Eric Johnson
District 2, Position 5 – Zach Schilter (Secretary-Treasurer)
District 3, Position 6 – Markus Rollinger (Vice President)
District 3, Position 7 – Kaleb Whitby
District 3, Position 8 – Hessel Veldhuis
District 4, Position 9 – Austin Allred (President)
District 4, Position 10 – Vacant
Eastern WA Member At Large – Dan DeRuyter
Western WA Member At Large – Thomas VanBerkum
WSDF Staff
Alicia McCarthy
Interim Executive Director
alicia@wastatedairy.comAlicia graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications. Alicia was a communications intern at the WSDF during the 2021 legislative session where she was able to gain firsthand experience in public policy. She is the 5th generation on her parents’ dairy farm in Raymond, Washington where she was active in 4-H and FFA throughout her childhood. From 2016-2017, Alicia was the Washington State Dairy Ambassador where she was able to promote dairy products throughout Washington. With dairy farming being part of Alicia’s life from a young age, she looks forward to supporting and keeping dairy farmers updated on new resources and funding opportunities.
William J. Gordon
Policy Director
jay@wastatedairy.comJay Gordon, representing and supporting Dairy Farmers in Washington since 2001, has vast experience with policy leadership in Olympia. He is a farmer and owns and operates a 600 acre crop farm in Elma, Washington. Jay routinely works with State Agencies, national dairy organizations, local livestock and shellfish growers to promote the dairy industry while working to provide solutions for environmental and health issues such as nutrient management regulation, air and water regulation and animal identification.
Jay also serves on the Advisory Board of William D. Ruckelshaus Center of WSU. His effort at the Center includes promoting the Voluntary Stewardship Program for buffers throughout the State of Washington.
Christine Heinitz
Office Manager
christine@wastatedairy.comChristine has held office and management positions for the last 25 years, including 15 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience. She volunteers with various non-profits including dog rescuing and runs her own dog networking page on social media.