WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced on Jan. 6 that Betsy Flores will join as senior vice president of public policy. Flores is experienced in US agriculture and will work with the organization to lead legislative, regulatory, trade and market strategies.

“I am pleased to join PFI in a new capacity and play an active role in developing and executing the policy strategies that support US pet food makers,” Flores said. “Pets are an important part of the household for families both across the country and around the world, and I look forward to leveraging my experience within agriculture to serve this important sector.”

Betsy Flores, senior vice president of public policy, Pet Food Institute (Source: Pet Food Institute) 

 

With more than 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors, Flores recently acted as director of research and promotion programs for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). She also worked as the deputy director for agricultural affairs for the United States Trade Representative (USTR), tackling issues in new and biotechnologies, the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and trade barriers.

Before joining the USDA in 2014, Flores acted as vice president of animal care for the National Milk Producers Federation, supporting and serving dairy producers regarding dairy-industry regulation policies with officials.

“Betsy has a proven track record of leading successful teams, finding consensus on challenging issues and working with stakeholders across industries,” said Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer, PFI. “We are pleased she will bring her experience and leadership from both USDA, USTR and the private sector to lead PFI’s active policy team and promote a sound policy environment for US pet food makers.”

Flores has a master’s degree from John Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from State University of West Georgia.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.