ABINGDON, Md. — The Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announced Celeste Powers as its new president beginning Nov. 5, 2018. Powers succeeds Steve King, who will go on to serve as chief executive officer of the American Pet Products Association.

“I am thrilled to be joining this fabulous organization and to work in an industry that I am passionate about,” Powers said. “I am committed to continuing to lead PIDA forward with a strong focus on this progressive organization’s mission.”

Powers brings 27 years of not-for-profit management experience, including 20 years spent in executive roles. Most recently, she was the executive director of Beacon, Networking for Life, a regional professional networking association for mid-Atlantic business leaders. Powers also served as the executive director of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association in Alexandria, Virginia.

Powers was raised in the Philadelphia area, and earned her bachelor’s in political science from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. She lived in Baltimore for seven years and in Northern Virginia for fifteen years, until returning to her hometown in 2015. She currently resides in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Powers serves on the volunteer board for the Women’s Resource Center and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives.

“I have known Celeste professionally for more than 25 years,” King said. “She is an energetic and talented leader and team builder with an enthusiastic approach to association management. PIDA will be in good hands under her leadership.”

PIDA has been actively involved in the pet product industry since 1968 with the mission of serving the wholesaler-distributor, promoting partnerships between suppliers and customers, and sustaining relationships with other organizations dedicated to fostering the bond between human and animals.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.