Congratulations to Dr. David Selner who was recently named the new executive director of the National Dairy Shrine. Selner succeeds Maurice Core, and will be the seventh executive director in the 59-year-old organization’s history. Selner will officially begin his role as executive director for National Dairy Shrine on August 1, 2008.

David Selner has stepped up to the plate numerous times to assist National Dairy Shrine (NDS). He co-chaired the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration. One year earlier, he served as chair of the original Progressive Dairy Producer committee, an award that continues to be named to this day. Selner served six years on the NDS board of directors. In 2002, he served as the 53rd president of the organization. At the time, the organization set plans in motion to renovate the National Dairy Shrine Visitor’s Center and to update all its presentations at the Fort Atkinson based facility. Selner initiated the fundraising campaign and developed the fundraising brochures for the campaign. Additionally, he served on the renovation committee from the initiation of the project through its completion. Selner continues to guide the NDS Video History Committee by serving as its chair. In addition to his work with NDS, served in various roles with the A.I. industry for over 30 years focusing on genetics. Selner also has been a long-time leader of the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, working with the contest for the past 30 years and serving as its superintendent for 24 years.

For the past 11 years, Maurice Core, has served as the guiding force for National Dairy Shrine. Core was the third-longest-serving executive director with Joe Eves (20 years) and Jim Leuenberger (16 years) the only past executive directors with longer tenures. It was at the 58th annual meeting that Core shared his desire to step down from the leadership role within the organization. He and his wife, Carole, who are familiar faces at Dairy Shrine functions, have agreed to assist Dairy Shrine through the leadership transition and will be working for the organization through the annual meeting to be held at World Dairy Expo. Prior to his service with NDS, Core had a strong influence in the Jersey breed during 37-year tenure with the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) where he served as AJCA executive secretary from 1985 to 1993.