The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has named Jerry May, vice president of government and trade affairs at Freshpet, as the 2026 Friend of Pet Food Award recipient. May received the award during the AFIA Pet Food Conference, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
May has worked in the global pet food industry for more than 35 years, holding leadership positions with multinational companies in nutrition, research and development and regulatory affairs. He has helped secure approval for science-based health claims and supported innovations related to skin and coat health, mobility, cognitive development and healthy aging in dogs and cats.
"Jerry's influence on the pet food industry is both profound and enduring," said AFIA's president and CEO Constance Cullman. "For more than three decades, he has helped shape science-based regulations, advance innovations that improve pet health and mentor countless professionals who now lead our industry. His commitment to collaboration, sound science and animal wellbeing exemplifies the spirit of this award."
In recent years, May's regulatory work has focused on the fresh pet food segment, where he addressed domestic and international regulatory and export barriers. He has worked with industry partners, trade associations and government agencies to strengthen global regulatory alignment and expand U.S. pet food exports.
May has also mentored professionals throughout his career, recruiting and developing individuals who now hold positions including vice presidents, global segment leads and brand managers.
"I'm honored to be recognized by the AFIA with the Friend of Pet Food Award," said May. "From advancing science-based nutrition to helping open regulatory pathways for innovation, this industry continues to evolve in exciting ways. I'm proud to have played a role alongside so many talented leaders who care deeply about pets and their health."
AFIA launched the Friend of Pet Food Award in 2019 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the pet food industry. Ten individuals have received the award to date:
Friend of Pet Food Award Past Honorees
- 2025 – Eric Altom, Ph.D., Balchem Animal Nutrition
- 2024 – Angele Thompson, Ph.D., founder and president of Thompson PetTech
- 2023 – Steve Thomas, former vice president at Darling Ingredients
- 2022 – George Fahey, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- 2022 – Dennis Jewell, Ph.D., formerly of Hill's Pet Nutrition
- 2021 – Michael Panasevich, Summit Ridge Farms
- 2021 – Galen Rokey, Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
- 2020 – Kate Shoveller, University of Guelph
- 2020 – Gail Kuhlman, Ph.D., Mars Petcare
