Marian Thielsen

Associate Vice President, Sales & Marketing

As the Associate Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Marian is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of an association-wide marketing communications plan to promote and advance APPA, Global Pet Expo and the pet products industry. This includes managing various aspects of marketing communications, publication production, and sponsorship sales.

Marian has played an integral role in developing and building a comprehensive sponsorship program for Global Pet Expo attendees. From VIP events and digital signage to light boxes, floor decals and more, Marian oversees the sales and implementation of all Global Pet Expo sponsorship opportunities.

Marian has been with APPA for more than 14 years and previously served as the member services coordinator. With more than 20 years of marketing experience, Marian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and is an active member of the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), American Management Association (AMA), and the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE).

In the past, Marian has served as Chair for the PR/Marketing Committee of the NYC Chapter of the NYSAE and now sits on the Board of Directors for NYSAE. In addition, she created the first-ever professional women’s group in the pet industry, APPA Professional Women’s Network (PWN), five years ago. Since then, the program has thrived and more than 200 participants attended the PWN’s annual breakfast meeting, which takes place every year at Global Pet Expo.

Marian lives with her husband John and two cats, Violet and Sam in Norwalk, Conn. A good book, tennis, the open road and family and friends fill Marian’s free time.