Meet AFIA's Madison Wyman

Written by: Victoria Broehm   |   December 4, 2023

Sustainability

I am delighted to share that the American Feed Industry Association has hired its first policy communications specialist, which will be vital in helping our legislative, regulatory and policy team better communicate members’ priorities to key policymakers. Madison Wyman is a recent graduate of Furman University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in politics and international affairs and communication studies last May. She has broad government affairs and communications experience and a passion for advocacy, as evident in her recent move to Washington, D.C. Learn more about her below.

Q: Tell me about your background.

Wyman: II was born and spent the first eight years of my life in Sandwich, Mass., and eventually moved with my family to Beaufort, S.C. Spending my formative years in South Carolina, I eventually decided to attend Furman University in Greenville where I graduated this past May.

At Furman, I served as the advance team lead in the Riley Institute, where I worked as a student ambassador, and I had the opportunity to interact with local and national leaders and was involved in organizing public policy discussions and events. Following my graduation, I participated in a research and communications fellowship program with the Roots Routes in Bangkok, Thailand, which exposed me to international perspectives and insights into various issues. Before my time in Bangkok, I interned with various government affairs and communications firms, which led me to looking for full time positions in the policy communications field specifically in the Washington, D.C., area. Ultimately landing at the AFIA, I knew my previous skills in both the communications and policy fields would be put to best use representing the voice of the animal food industry.

Q: What interests you most about the animal food industry?

Wyman: Before joining the AFIA, my understanding of the feed and pet food industry was limited, as I do not have a background in agriculture and had given little consideration to the individuals responsible for its production and the pivotal role they play in both domestic and global food chains. I am excited to gain insights into the formulation of feeds tailored to meet the diverse nutritional requirements of livestock and poultry, recognizing the direct impact on animal health and, consequently, the safety and quality of the human food supply.

Understanding the interconnectedness of feed production and the broader food chain has already transformed my perception of my role at the AFIA. It is not merely a professional engagement but a commitment to a larger purpose, contributing to the intricate processes that ensure a consistent and quality supply of nutrition for livestock, impacting the well-being of both animals and humans.

Q: What originally sparked your interest in political communications? A class? Experience? Person?

Wyman: I remember the 2008 election - it was the first time I understood what the presidential election was and the immense amount of campaigning that went into the candidate's campaign. I was eight years old then and from there on out, I was always heavily interested in politics and campaigns. I was most definitely the only middle schooler who enjoyed watching the nightly news to know what was going on when it came to politics. When I entered college, I knew I wanted to study politics and international affairs but happened to take a public speaking class taught by the chair of the communications department. Next thing I knew, I decided to double major and focus on internships in political communications and fell in love with the idea of obtaining a career in political communications.

Q: How was your experience living and working in Thailand? What was the most fascinating thing you learned?

Wyman: Living and working in Thailand constituted a profound influence on my personal growth. Culturally, the immersion in Thai traditions and history was nothing short of a culture shock. Navigating through the vibrant streets of Bangkok and exploring new areas beyond the urban sprawl of the city allowed a greater understanding of such a diverse culture. Whether indulging in the eclectic street food offerings or witnessing the intricacies of Thai Buddhist rituals, each experience contributed to a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Thai culture. My biggest takeaway is that the time I spent in Thailand instilled in me a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and adaptability in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Q: As you know, we love our fur babies around here! What kind of pets do you have?

Wyman: Growing up, we had a dog and cat until I was about 5-years-old and after that, we did not have pets again until I was in high school. While in high school, our neighbors had two rabbits and they had kits. My brother loved our neighbors' rabbits and my parents decided to adopt one. Since that time, we have had many rabbits, and they have all come with their own distinctive personalities, which has been interesting at times. More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, someone dropped a box of kittens outside my parents’ bank, and, surprisingly, my dad came home with a kitten that no one was expecting, especially my mom. We named her Money Penny, but she goes by Kiddy. Now the Wyman household has Kiddy, a Mekong bobtail cat and Sander, a holland lop rabbit. The cat is constantly trying to attack the rabbit, but I love them so much and love to cuddle with them.

Q: You have worked on campaigns before and now you live in D.C., so it sounds like you have an advocacy bug. What excites you must about helping AFIA’s members get more involved in AFIA’s grassroots program?

Wyman: Having previously worked on campaigns and now a D.C. resident, my enthusiasm for advocacy fuels my excitement about aiding AFIA members in deepening their involvement in the grassroots program. Being based in the DMV offers a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, bridging the gap between AFIA members and decision-makers. Facilitating collaboration within the AFIA community is another aspect that excites me, as our collective strength and shared purpose can drive impactful change, creating a more robust and influential advocacy network for the animal food industry. 

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

Currently, my favorite thing to do for fun is exploring my new city – Washington, D.C. I have always enjoyed going to museums, so being able to explore such a vibrant city with all it has to offer has become my go-to on the weekends. Being able to spend the day immersed in art or history at a museum is always a treat.