Monica Cohen

In a previous life, Monica Cohen was a bold, tenacious senior executive helping steer the day-to-day operations of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a $24+ billion milk-marketing cooperative and global dairy foods company with 14,000 farmer members, 20,000 employees, and a sprawling portfolio of products and customers.

Fueled by strong coffee (with cream, obviously) and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo, Cohen navigated the wild terrain of the dairy industry with grit, humanity and no-nonsense attitude that got things done. Whether she was hopping on international flights or hopping into barn boots (designer, of course), she kept one thing constant: focus on people, purpose and progress.

It was the focus she had from the start...first as an intern in the late '80s, and later as she rose through the ranks, ultimately landing in the C-suite where she held a variety of high-impact roles including EVP, Chief of Staff, Chief Innovation Officer, Industry Relations, Communications and Crisis Lead, Sustainability Lead, and executive Sponsor of DE&I.

Most recently, Cohen has served as CEO of the American Cider Association. Tasked with bringing financial discipline, sharper strategy, and sustainable growth to the organization, she elevated cider's standing in the broader beverage world while building a stronger, more impactful trade association from the inside out.

Whether in the boardroom or on the stage, Cohen's speciality is helping people and organizations get unstuck. As a keynote speaker, she's funny, fast-paced and fiercely practical and brings powerful insights from decades of leading transformation.