MMP announces new executive assistant

Amy Balaban is taking over from Christine Koch as the Mainland Milk Producer’s Association new executive assistant.

Balaban will be working with both MMP and Mainland Young Milk Producers to coordinate meetings and events.

Fluent in both English and French, Balaban brings both administrative skills and passion for the dairy industry to the role.

She previously worked with Golden Ears Cheesecrafters and Davison Farms in Maple Ridge and currently works part-time for J&D Farmers’ Dairy Service as the herd manager support.

She also has experience with event planning, financials, administration and social media.

Koch is edging into retirement after 12 years with MMP, although she will retain her managerial role with BC Pork Producers – for now.

One of the keys to her success has been an ability to manage multiple contract roles. The diverse positions have made her a linch-pin in BC agriculture who is not only connected, but a point of connection for the industry.

During the BC Poultry Conference in 2023, Koch – who typically keeps a low profile – received the Outstanding Industry Support award for her “unprecedented” efforts with the BC Poultry Association as well as the association’s emergency operations centre.

Koch has spent countless hours assisting growers with emergency preparedness as well as response efforts during both the 2021 floods in the Lower Mainland and avian influenza.

“My next challenge is learning how to relax in retirement,” she told dairy producers as she welcomed Balaban to her new position.