Atalie serves as the senior director of membership and government relations for the Pet Food Institute (PFI). In her role, Atalie oversees federal policy efforts including serving as the federal lobbyist, managing the Pet Food Institute Pet PAC, assisting the PFI policy team in areas of advocacy, as well as serving as a liaison for PFI members.
Prior to joining PFI, Atalie was the director of advocacy for Rescue:Freedom International, where she lobbied Congress to end human trafficking in the United States.
Atalie has extensive experience in public policy. She began her career as the campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and then moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as the congresswoman’s executive assistant, where she developed and sustained relationships with key constituents, lobbyists and members of the business community. Atalie left Capitol Hill in 2013 to be the PAC & grassroots manager for Grant Thornton LLP, where she implemented overall PAC strategy. In addition to her daily responsibilities there, she managed PAC events and coordinated grassroots programs and strategic planning to support the firm’s advocacy efforts.
Atalie earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Southeast Missouri State University. In her free time, Atalie manages the annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game each summer, which raises money for a breast cancer charity. She also loves to spend time with her nephews.