Pet Food Institute Names New CEO

Earlier this week, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced that Dana L. Brooks will assume of the role of president and CEO effective February 26.

In her new role, Brooks, who has more than 30 years of experience with food and agricultural enterprises, will oversee PFI’s many roles in the industry, which include representing PFI before Congress and state legislatures, serving as a resource for public education and media relations, and organizing seminars and educational programs.

“Pets are an important part of the family for more than 80 million households across the United States, and I am excited for the opportunity to support their long and healthy lives through PFI’s outreach efforts,” Brooks said in a PFI press release. “I look forward to working with the members, staff, and stakeholders across the supply chain and pet sectors.”

Most recently, Brooks served as the senior director of government affairs for Land O’Lakes, Inc., where she managed state affairs and industry relations. Prior to that, she held the positions of corporate advisor of government affairs for Elanco Animal Health and senior vice president of government relations for the National Milk Producers Federation. Brooks succeeds current PFI CEO, Cathleen Enright, PhD, who will serve as past president through June.

“Dana brings extensive knowledge and leadership in the fields of food, feed, and agriculture,” said Alan Bostick, president and CEO of Sunshine Mills, Inc., and chairman of the PFI Board of Directors. “PFI welcomes her advocacy expertise and vision in promoting a bright future for the production of safe and nutritious food for America’s dogs and cats.”

Currently, PFI members comprise companies that make 98 percent of US dog and cat food and treat products. The organization’s recent highlights include the launch of an interactive canine nutrition tool and testimony before a government panel on the value of the North American Free Trade Agreement.