(PRESS RELEASE) ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) the advocacy voice of the responsible pet care community, welcomes Wes Fisher as its new senior director, government affairs. Fisher will direct all aspects of a multi-state legislative and regulatory portfolio and develop strategic relationships with allied organizations, government officials, industry partners and stakeholders in support of PIJAC’s advocacy and policy agenda.
“I’m excited to have Wes join our team with his significant state legislative experience and a proven track record of working with elected officials to advance thoughtful solutions to difficult challenges,” said PIJAC President and CEO Mike Bober. “He will have an immediate impact as we share the power of pets with lawmakers and staff across the country.”
Fisher was previously the director of federal and state affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), where he led state government affairs and grassroots organizing across the United States, working closely with NAMA State Councils. Prior to joining NAMA in 2018, he was responsible for state legislative outreach and membership for the American Legislative Exchange Council.
“I am looking forward to using my experience working with federal, state and local policy makers throughout the United States to advance PIJAC’s mission,” said Fisher. “I am eager to get to work promoting and protecting the responsible pet care community as part of the PIJAC team.”
At PIJAC, in addition to his legislative portfolio, Fisher will act as a liaison to regulatory agencies, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state departments of health and agriculture. He will also serve as the staff lead for PIJAC’s Canine Care Committee, providing leadership and guidance on animal health, disease prevention, care standards, and regulatory issues.