AFIA Recognizes Angele Thompson as Its Friend of Pet Food Award Winner

January 30, 2024

Contact Victoria Broehm

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to announce the 2023 Friend of Pet Food Award winner, Angele Thompson, Ph.D., founder and president of Thompson PetTech. Jerry May, vice  president of government and trade affairs at Freshpet, presented the award today during the AFIA Pet Food Conference, happening in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo this week. 

"Dr. Thompson has contributed to the advancement of innovation, product development, and nutrition in the pet food industry,” said Louise Calderwood, AFIA's director of regulatory affairs. “She continues to be a proactive voice in the industry, and we are excited to present this award in recognition of her leadership.”

In her current role as an independent consultant, Thompson draws upon her extensive experience in the pet food industry and offers nutrition, product development and regulatory services, and guides companies toward innovative solutions that prioritize pet health and well-being. In addition, she has served many roles with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), including speaking on expert panels for developing the Nutrient Profiles and Protocols, and as an industry advisor to the AAFCO Ingredient Definitions Committee and AAFCO Pet Food Committee.

"I am very lucky to have gotten into the pet food industry at the beginning of my career and continue to contribute to the lives of pets and those who love them,” said Thompson.

Thompson began her career as a nutritionist with Heinz Pet Products and rose to the role of technical services manager of nutrition, analytical laboratory and animal feeding laboratory. After transitioning to Kal Kan, now Mars Pet Care, Thompson spearheaded research and development efforts as the cat brands product development team manager for the United States and Canada. In 1997, she started her independent consulting firm, Thompson PetTech.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Arizona.

Launched in 2019, the AFIA Friend of Pet Food Award recognizes individuals who have made recent significant contributions to support the growth of the pet food industry. To date, eight people have earned this award. Learn more about the award on AFIA’s website.

Editorial Note: To obtain a high-resolution image to use for editorial purposes, contact Madison Wyman, AFIA's policy communications specialist.