This month, we are proud to recognize Lisa Buckentine, Senior Merchandiser at Dairy Products Inc. (DPI), for her leadership, depth of industry knowledge, and commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Lisa began her career at Iowa State University, entering the Ag Business program with a plan to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a grain trader. Her mom had built a successful career in commodities and believed Lisa would thrive in the field too. That encouragement – and a strong maternal example – helped guide Lisa’s early ambitions. Everything shifted when she took an internship at Gavilon (then ConAgra Trading Group), where she was introduced to the dairy trading team. That early exposure sparked a genuine interest in the food industry, and after graduation, she joined the team full-time as a Dairy Products Trader Trainee. Now, 15 years later, Lisa has built a respected career in dairy ingredients trading – spending her days developing supplier and customer relationships, identifying opportunities, and bringing practical solutions to market challenges.
At DPI, a company that does not manufacture its own products, Lisa adds value by deeply understanding her partners’ businesses and creating connections that drive results. Her ability to bring people together and provide meaningful insights has made her an essential part of the team and a go-to resource in the industry.
Lisa’s accomplishments reflect both personal dedication and professional excellence. She earned dual master’s degrees – one in Economics and the other in Business – through the MS-MBA in Agribusiness program at Purdue and Indiana University. She’s also been a longtime volunteer and leader within the Junior League of Omaha, serving three of her eleven years there as President, leading initiatives that made a tangible impact on her community.
As a working parent, Lisa is candid about the realities of balancing a demanding career with family life. With two young boys at home and a supportive husband, Adam, she has learned to adjust her schedule and travel plans while continuing to grow in her role. She credits her company’s family-first culture and her team’s willingness to step up during times like maternity leave as key factors in making it work.
When asked what keeps her motivated, Lisa points to a personal value she identified during a career coaching experience: leaving a “legacy of integrity.” That compass helps her stay focused during challenging moments, always aiming to follow through with honesty and high standards.
She also reminds those starting out in their careers that it’s okay not to have all the answers – because no one does. In her words, “We are all just doing the best we can with the information we have, and sometimes the information YOU have can be just as valuable, regardless of your experience level.”
And while Lisa is used to being surrounded by men at home (between her husband, two boys, and years of working in male-dominated offices), she now finds herself enjoying a new dynamic at DPI – where women outnumber the men for the first time in her career. She jokes that she now comes to work to get her “girl time.” Thankfully, she still has one female ally at home: Lucy, her 13-pound Bichon and partner in crime.
Please join us in recognizing Lisa Buckentine for her meaningful contributions to the dairy industry, her advocacy for women in food and ag, and her thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. Your work matters, Lisa – and your impact continues to grow.
