Ashley Brinkman Joins Pet Advocacy Network as New Director of Government Affairs
ALEXANDRIA, VA – September 7, 2022 – The Pet Advocacy Network, the advocacy voice of the responsible pet care community, has hired Ashley Brinkman as the new Director of Government Affairs. Brinkman will oversee committee management, tracking legislation, and engaging with lawmakers at all levels of government on pet-related laws and regulations.
“Ashley is a great addition to our team because of her vast experience in government relations, including leading PACs and tracking legislation at all levels of government,” said Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober. “We are confident she will thrive in this role given her ability to interact with lawmakers and analyze complex pieces of legislation.”
Brinkman previously worked as the Government Affairs Office Manager for Berkshire Hathaway Energy, where she formed and oversaw a cross-business PAC Task Force and researched federal legislation, policy proposals, and white papers. Prior to that, she was a legislative analyst for the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and was responsible for leading RVIA’s state level advocacy efforts through COVID-19.
“I am excited to use my experience influencing U.S. policy at the federal, state, and local levels to assist Pet Advocacy Network in furthering its mission,” Brinkman said. “Within this new position I am looking forward to advocating for pet ownership, animal health and well-being, and ensuring the pet care community thrives.”
Brinkman has had a lifelong passion for animals. She has served as a Docent at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, a Naturalist’s Assistant at a Raptor Rehabilitation Center in southern Indiana, an Aquaculture Research Intern at a biology field station on the Ohio River, and as a Doggie Day Camp Associate at a large pet retailer.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Ashley and appreciated the opportunity to introduce her to the community at SuperZoo. She will be an outstanding addition to both our staff and the Government Affairs team,” said Senior Director of Government Affairs Wes Fisher.
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About Pet Advocacy Network
The Pet Advocacy Network, formerly known as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), connects the experience and expertise of the responsible pet care community to lawmakers and governing bodies, advocating for legislative and regulatory priorities at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets, including small animals, cats, dogs, fish, reptiles and birds. Pet Advocacy Network members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations.
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