Michele M. Sayles, Ph.D., is executive director of food safety and quality for Diamond Pet Foods. She has over 21 years’ experience in food safety, quality and food microbiology, and was previously in charge of the global food safety and microbiology program at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. In addition, Sayles has held key food safety and quality positions across various industries, including as senior corporate quality assurance and food safety manager for Sara Lee Corp.; director of HACCP and food safety for Seaboard Foods and director of pork safety for the National Pork Board. She holds a doctorate in food microbiology from Oklahoma State University, a master of science degree from Kansas State University and a bachelor of science degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.