Kevin Ellis

Kevin Ellis is a seasoned executive in the dairy industry with extensive experience in agribusiness, finance, and management.123 He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cayuga Milk Ingredients and Cayuga Marketing for 14 years, from April 2008 to September 2022.3 Ellis comes from a long line of dairy farmers and was born and raised on a 300-cow dairy farm in Tully, NY.1

Education and Early Career

Ellis holds a degree in Animal Science from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Rochester Simon School.1 His diverse work experience includes roles as a dairy nutritionist, loan officer, and financial consultant.12

Career Progression

1. Farm Credit of WNY ACA: Loan Officer & Business Consultant (November 1997 - April 2002)3
2. KeyBank National Association: Assistant Vice President (April 2005 - April 2006)3
3. Northwest Savings Bank: Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer (April 2006 - April 2008)3
4. Cayuga Marketing and Cayuga Milk Ingredients: CEO (April 2008 - September 2022)3
5. Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.: Chief Executive Officer (September 2022 - Present)3

Achievements

At Cayuga Marketing, Ellis assisted in the development of a milk processing plant.1 He oversaw Cayuga Marketing's milk marketing endeavors and Cayuga Milk Ingredients, which became fully operational in September 2014.1 Under his leadership, Cayuga Milk Ingredients became a producer of specialized dairy ingredients.2

In May 2022, Ellis was selected as the next CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, succeeding Larry Webster.2 He was chosen for his visionary leadership and extensive experience in C-Level management, with concentrations in finance and marketing.2

Kevin Ellis is known for his proactive management style and accomplishments in sales, marketing, financial management, and operations.3 He has demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, project leadership, and facilitating business startup, transition, stabilization, and expansion.3