ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Board of Directors announced that as of Sept. 3, 2024, CEO Paul Bauer is no longer employed with the company. The board declined to give a reason for asking Bauer to step down.

“As with any employee matter, and out of respect for the privacy of the individual involved, we will not be providing details regarding this decision,” a news release states. “Our focus is on moving forward. We remain committed to ensuring the continued success and stability of Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and greatly appreciate the support of our community, employees, and member owners during this transition.”

Bauer began his role as CEO in September 2008, succeeding Ken McMahon upon his retirement. The Wausau native grew up on a dairy farm and earned an agricultural business degree from UW-River Falls. Before coming to Ellsworth, he held positions with the Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Antigo Cheese, Blackfoot Cheese, and Kraft Foods.

According to his biography at the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection website, Bauer has been active in national milk policy related to National Milk Marketing Order reform, both with the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association and National Milk Producers Federation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Dairy Product Institute and is a member of the National Milk Producers Federation Cheese Market Task Force.

In addition, Bauer is active in the Ellsworth community serving as a member of the Village of Ellsworth Community Development Authority, as President of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Cheese Curd Festival Committee and as Chair of the Ellsworth Library Building Committee. He is a past President of the Chippewa Valley Technical College Board.

He has been credited with growing the employee base from 55 to 350 across three facilities during his tenure, thanks to the growth and diversification of the co-op’s cheese products.

“The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Bauer for his many years of service and dedication to Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery,” the news release states. “The Board is already engaged in the process of selecting the next leader for the Cooperative. The search process will be thorough, as the Board endeavors to find the best possible candidate to serve our Cooperative. Until a successor is selected, Kevin Pieh, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery CFO, will serve as the interim CEO. The Board has confidence that the leadership team and employees of Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery have the talent and experience necessary to continue effectively serving our patrons and customers without disruption.”

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery produces 190,000 pounds of cheddar cheese curds daily. Their all-natural cheddar cheese curds can be found in all 50 states and around the world.

Besides the Ellsworth location, Wohlt Creamery in New London, which joined the team in 2018, specializes in high-quality and customized processed cheeses for food service, retail deli, and pre-packaged food manufacturers. In early 2022, ECC opened its new production facility in Menomonie, which produces a variety of specialty block cheeses.

The 2024 Board of Directors includes Warren Johnson, Osceola; Adam Place, Clayton; Deric Lindstrom, Durand; Daniel Rosen, Emerald; Cody Getschel, Osceola; Martin Hallock, Mondovi; Josh Roos, Amery; Dulcie Anderson, Ellsworth; and Alan Sigurdsen, Barron.