Pet Food Institute appoints new vice president

WASHINGTON — The Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced its promotion of Savonne Caughey to vice president of government affairs and advocacy on Jan. 7. In her new role, Caughey will serve as a key advisor on PFI’s policy team, as well as be responsible for leading strategic planning and policy advocacy with government officials and stakeholders. 

Caughey will continue to direct state legislative and policy-focused activities and oversee PFI’s reputation management efforts among state governments and organizations. Also serving as a liaison for PFI members, she will advocate for priority policy issues for US pet food and treat makers and monitor relevant legislative updates across the country.

Prior to joining PFI in 2021, Caughey was senior director of government affairs at the Pet Advocacy Network, formerly the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), where she represented the companion animal trade association and served as liaison with government partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and more. Throughout her career in advocacy and public affairs, Caughey has served in numerous senior leadership roles at the American Heart Association, Herbalife International, Elanco Animal Health and USDA.

“Savonne’s promotion is well deserved and is in recognition of her leadership and strategic work over the last three years for PFI’s members, staff and the entire pet food industry,” said Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of PFI.  

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.