ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has tapped Wes Fisher as senior director of government affairs. Fisher will manage multi-state legislative and regulatory initiatives and continue developing relationships with industry allies, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s agenda.

Fisher previously served as director of federal and state affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), where he was focused on state government affairs and country-wide grassroots organizing. Before joining NAMA, he managed state legislative outreach and membership for the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Wes Fisher, senior director of government affairs at PIJAC. (Source: LinkedIn) 

“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 Mike Bober, president and chief executive officer of PIJAC. “He will have an immediate impact as we share the power of pets with lawmakers and staff across the country.”

In his new role with PIJAC, Fisher will also serve as a liaison to regulatory agencies and state departments of health and agriculture, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He will also lead the organization’s Canine Care Committee, which provides guidance on animal health, disease prevention, care standards and regulatory issues.

“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,” Fisher said. “I am eager to get to work promoting and protecting the responsible pet care community as part of the PIJAC team.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.