The Pet Food Institute (PFI), the voice of dog and cat food makers and whose members make 98 percent of U.S. pet food and treat products, today announced that Dana L. Brooks will assume of the role of president and chief executive officer.
“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.”
Brooks has more than 30 years of experience across the food and agricultural industries, including leadership roles in federal and regulatory outreach. She most recently served as the senior director of government affairs for Land O’Lakes, Inc., where she managed state affairs and industry relations. Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, Brooks 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 will assume the position of president and CEO effective Feb. 26, 2018, succeeding Dr. Cathleen Enright, who will serve as past president through June.
“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,” said Brooks. “I look forward to working with the members, staff and stakeholders across the supply chain and pet sectors.”
Brooks holds a master’s degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas, and grew up on a family farm in Arkansas.
ABOUT THE PET FOOD INSTITUTE
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) has been the voice of the U.S. pet food and treat makers. PFI is the industry’s representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food and treat products, an industry with more than $28 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2016.