Staff

KDDC's Executive Director and Dairy Consultants work to fulfill our organizations purpose statement, which is: to increase the profitability of Kentucky's dairy producers and allied industry; to foster growth and development for Kentucky's dairy industry; to promote dairy-friendly legislation; to work with regulatory agencies on rules which affect the dairy industry; to communicate relevant issues to KDDC members; to encourage cooperation with affiliated agricultural organizations to benefit all; and to support Federal Marketing Order rulings which promote fair and equitable milk prices.

Tori Embry

Executive Director

Cell: 859-516-1129 Email: [email protected]

Tori transitioned into the Executive Director role at the beginning of 2025 from her position as the Central Region Dairy Consultant. She has been with KDDC since 2022. Tori comes from a dairy background, having been raised on a small dairy farm in central Kentucky and later received her B.S. from Eastern Kentucky University and M.S. in Animal Science with a concentration on dairy health and welfare from the University of Tennessee. Tori resides in Grayson County where she raises registered Charolais cattle with her family.

Melissa Huggett

Program Coordinator

Cell: 859-516-2458 Email: mhuggett@kydairy.org

Melissa brings significant expertise to the Kentucky Dairy Development Council through her background in agriculture, leadership, and community engagement. As a family farm Owner/Operator with skills in budget management, event planning, and outreach, she is dedicated to supporting Kentucky’s dairy producers. Melissa holds an Associate Degree in Science (Sustainable Agriculture), a Bachelor’s in Agribusiness, and a master's in agriculture/Agribusiness Economics. Her collaborative style and focus on agricultural innovation make her a valued advocate for Kentucky’s farming community

Lindsie Logsdon

Central Region Dairy Consultant

Cell: 859-516-1619 Email: [email protected]

Jared Patterson

Eastern Region Dairy Consultant

Cell: 859-516-1966 Email: jpatterson@kydairy.org

Jared Patterson was introduced to the dairy industry at a young age when his family began their dairy operation in 2009. That early experience sparked a long‑standing passion for all aspects of dairy production. He went on to earn a B.S. in Animal Science and an A.S. in Technical Agriculture from Eastern Kentucky University, further solidifying his commitment to a career in the dairy industry.
Jared’s background includes hands‑on experience working on his family’s farm as well as involvement in various opportunities offered through EKU’s agriculture program, including serving as a member of the Dairy Challenge team. These experiences have equipped him with the knowledge and practical skills to support dairy producers throughout the state.