Stoltzfus Joins the Center’s Team Supporting the Dairy Industry
The Center for Dairy Excellence has named Sara Stoltzfus, a rising senior at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, as the 2026 education and communications intern. She joins a team of employees who provide resources and support to Pennsylvania dairy farms and develop dairy education programming for students of all ages.
Stoltzfus will begin her senior year of college this fall, where she is majoring in Animal Science with an Animal Management Concentration. She participates in the UMass Livestock Judging and Quiz Bowl (NESA) where she serves as Senior Co-President. She is also part of the UMass Ballroom Dance Team where she serves as Publicist. At the farm level, Stoltzfus works on three farms while in Massachusetts: the UMass Livestock Farm, Mapleline Farm, a self-processing dairy, and Devine Dairy Farm where she serves as Calf Manager.
Growing up on Pennwood Farms, a 700-cow dairy in Berlin, Pennsylvania, Stoltzfus has been involved in various dairy clubs her whole life. She has been part of the Somerset 4-H Dairy Club, PA Junior Holstein Association, Somerset Dairy Promotion Team, and more.
“Ever since I was a dairy princess my senior year, I have wanted to have a career in promoting the dairy industry. I am excited to have this opportunity to see behind the curtain on the planning and time that goes into various events that promote the dairy industry and educate the public,” Stoltzfus shared. “With a dream to promote the industry in New England, this internship will take me one step closer to achieving it.”
In addition to Stoltzfus, nine other individuals serve the Center and the Foundation. Staff members include Sebright; Melissa Anderson, dairy programs and operations manager; Jordan Anderson, communications and marketing specialist; Emily Barge, communications and marketing manager; Allen Hess, customer relations specialist; Valerie Mason-Faith, risk education program manager; Karen Purnell, accounting manager; Michelle Shearer, workforce development manager; and Brittany Snyder, dairy education program manager. Dr. Brian Reed also serves as a contractor for the Center, supporting dairy transition and transformation teams coordinated through the Center.
For more information about the Center, the Foundation and its staff, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org.