Jake Plevelich Joins Rentokil Terminix as Director of Government Affairs

READING, Pa. — Jake Plevelich has joined Rentokil Terminix as director of government affairs, effective April 17. Plevelich, former director of public policy at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), will serve as Rentokil Terminix’s lead on legislative and regulatory policy at the federal, state and local levels. 

After leaving NPMA in 2022, Plevelich served as director of legislative affairs for NAFCU (the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions). Plevelich told PCT the opportunity to return to the pest control industry is what drew him to the position. “I saw the job was posted online and immediately thought this is my dream job because my love for the pest control industry and pest control public policy has never waned,” he said.

Plevelich will be reporting to Mac MacAllister, general counsel for Rentokil Terminix. He said he’s excited to be working with MacAllister, as well as Rentokil Terminix’s robust technical and management teams. 

Rentokil Terminix’s internal government affairs structure is comprised of what the company calls RTSRs (Rentokil Terminix State Representatives) and this program is similar to NPMA’s State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) program. “A large part of the job will be leading the RTSR program and engaging with policymakers,” said Plevelich, who added that another key aspect of the position is working with various associations to “get things done” for the industry.

“Everyone will tell you ‘There's nothing like the people in the pest control industry,’” he said. “The unconditional willingness to help competitors and put the industry first is one of the main reasons as to why the industry is so special and successful. The ‘We are all in this together’ mentality is not found in many other industries, and it definitely sets pest control apart.”

Another reason Plevelich is so passionate about advocating for the pest control industry is personal. “I've had family members impacted by Lyme disease and West Nile virus resulting in encephalitis (swelling of the brain). I know first-hand the essential work that my Rentokil Terminix teammates do to manage dangerous and deadly pests. Protecting public health and property is a great reason to get up in the morning and come to work.”