Harold Schild, Tillamook

If there is one brand name from Oregon that most everyone knows, it’s Tillamook cheese. Over the years, the Tillamook County Creamery Association has formed the backbone of the regional economy where 150 local dairy operators and their 25,000 cows each day turn one and half million pounds of fresh milk into high-quality products known far and wide. TCCA enjoyed tremendous growth and success under the leadership of its longtime President and CEO, Harold Schild. After 44 years working for the creamery, Schild left the co-op in the 1990s in tremendously good shape.

Harold was born in Tillamook and has lived there all his life. His father was a local dairyman, and when Harold graduated from high school, there was no doubt that he would somehow be involved in the industry. As a young man, Harold began working for the cheese factory in 1958 as part of the packaging department. For everyone who has taken a tour of the plant, part of Harold’s job back then was to give some of those tours.

Learning more about the operation, Harold worked in several production areas. So when it was time for him to move up the ladder, he was ready.

In 1976, he took a position as an administrator and became CEO and President in 1993. Under his watchful eye, the creamery expanded its facilities, both in Tillamook and elsewhere. Locally, Harold led the construction of a new feed mill, an automatic retrieval and storage unit, a new administrative office building, and extensive remodeling of the very popular visitor center. In fact, Harold often found himself scooping up ice cream for the thousands of visitors who stopped in Tillamook.

One of most significant developments under Harold was the construction of a satellite plant in Eastern Oregon. Understanding the need to find new territory for milk production and processing, Harold had offers to take Tillamook to other states. However, he opted to expand in Oregon and keeping the important economic activity within its borders.

Tillamook’s marketing and sales saw large increases during his tenure. The cheese and other dairy products are found nationally and internationally. The product has won numerous awards and recognitions. Harold has been a leader for the entire Oregon dairy industry.

Now retired with his wife Betty, Harold has spent more time away from Tillamook. But that's where his heart has always been and the local dairy industry is better for it.

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