Chief Industry Officer

Hybrid/Remote/Riverside, CA, World Pet Association | Hybrid from Riverside, CA (remote considered) | Full Time, Executive The Opportunity The World Pet Association, producer of SUPERZOO and GROOM'D, has created a new executive position to lead everything beyond the show floor. The Chief Industry Officer will be the face of WPA across the pet care industry: its voice in advocacy, its builder of partnerships and sponsorships, and the owner of its data, education, and program portfolio. This is a designed role, not an inherited one. In 2026, WPA's Board of Directors adopted a two-executive leadership structure and reaffirmed it unanimously. The CIO and the Chief Operating Officer serve as co equal executives reporting jointly to the Board: the COO owns the show apparatus and internal operations, and the CIO owns the external industry mandate and the non-show enterprise. The COO seat is filled. This search completes the model. What You'll Own

Industry voice and ambassadorship: representing WPA with allied organizations (Pet Advocacy Network, APPA, PIDA), sponsors, media, and policymakers, and directing WPA's advocacy posture Partnerships and sponsor cultivation: identifying and developing sponsorship opportunities that support WPA's programs, industry work, and mission Data products and education: petLENS and the non-show education portfolio, including the GROOM curriculum Brand direction: non-show brand positioning, in partnership with WPA's Vice President of Marketing • Governance, compliance, and enterprise risk posture Non-show financial oversight, major investment analysis, and systems modernization, supported by a tenured Controller The staff and teams behind these functions

Who You Are

A credible, visible leader in the pet care community or an adjacent industry, with standing that doesn't need to be built in onboarding Experienced directing advocacy, public affairs, or coalition work, including legislative and regulatory touchpoints A proven partnership builder with associations, coalitions, and sponsors Financially fluent: able to own budgets, evaluate major investments, and work alongside a Controller and outside advisors A strong platform presence, from press and podcasts to keynotes and the boardroom Secure and mature enough to thrive as a co-equal partner in a two-executive structure; our screening rubric scores for it

Location and Travel This position is headquartered with WPA in Riverside, California, and operates in a hybrid work environment. WPA will consider a remote arrangement within the United States for an exceptionally qualified candidate, with regular presence expected at WPA headquarters and at WPA events. The role requires significant national travel, estimated at 30 to 40 percent, including SUPERZOO, GROOM'D, partner and sponsor meetings, media engagements, and legislative touchpoints in Washington, DC. How to Apply Brewer Pratt Solutions LLC is conducting this search on behalf of the WPA Board of Directors’ Executive Search Task Force. Send a resume and a brief letter describing your fit to Elisa Pratt, MA, CAE at elisa@brewerprattsolutions.com with "WPA CIO" in the subject line. The full job description is available here: https://brewerprattsolutions.com/wpa-chief-industry-officer-search/ Salary range: $275,000 to $325,000, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Applications received by December 10, 2026 receive full consideration, and confidential inquiries are welcome at (703) 433-0516. The World Pet Association is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Salary commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.