About Us

To strengthen the New York State cheese community through education, outreach, and awareness.

To support and empower our membership through networking, community connection, educational opportunities, and business resources.

The New York State Cheese Council is a 501(c)(6) serving cheesemakers, farmers, retailers, distributors, educators, and the greater cheese community.

Rachel Banks, ACS CCP, President

• Cheesemaker, Ordinary Farmstead
• East Aurora, NY

Emily Smith, Vice President

• Plant Manager & Cheesemaker, Eden Valley Creamery
• South Dayton, NY

Molly Moffett, Secretary

• Cheese Operations Manager, Oakfield Artisanal
• Oakfield, NY

Benoit Breal, Board Member

• Owner, Saxelby Cheesemongers
• New York, NY

Charles Carrier, Board Member

• Vice President of Human Resources & Information Technology, Murray's Cheese
• Long Island City, NY

Pete Messmer, Board Member

• Owner & Head Cheesemaker, Lively Run Dairy
• Interlaken, NY

Steve Messmer, Board Member

• Owner, Lively Run Dairy
• Interlaken, NY

Sarah Simiele, ACS CCP, Board Member

• Owner, The Curd Nerd
• Syracuse, NY