AFAAM Las Vegas

Planning Team and Grad Staff

2025 Annual Meeting Planning Team (AMPT)

The Annual Meeting Planning Team (AMPT) are volunteers who are responsible for directing the attendee experience associated with the AFA Annual Meeting, including creating learning opportunities that engage members, supporting the AFA Core Competencies for Excellence in the Profession, providing networking opportunities, and supporting association initiatives.

Dr. Ashley Kirk-Christman

University of Connecticut

Graduate Student and New Professionals Experiences Chair

Ryan Bye

University of Illinois Springfield

Fundraising Committee Chair

Dr. Samantha Lopez

Elon University

Attendee Engagement Chair

Jamison Carson

National Panhellenic Council

Exchange Coordinator

Ryan Upshaw

Millsaps College

Educational Programs Co-Chair

Alex Dudek

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Educational Programs Co-Chair

Tyler Manning

Michigan State University

Graduate Staff Coordinator

Kristen Kardas

Delta Chi Fraternity

Awards and Recognition Chair

2025 Annual Meeting Graduate Staff

The Graduate Staff (aka Grad Staff) is an essential part of the staffing model for the AFA Annual Meeting, providing much of the onsite support to the Central Office Staff, the Annual Meeting Planning Team, and other volunteers to deliver an excellent experience for attendees. The Grad Staff experience provides up-and-coming higher education professionals with an opportunity to understand conference planning and logistics while offering a unique glimpse into the operations of the Association. These Graduate Staff members will network with Annual Meeting attendees while delivering excellent customer service and helping to bring the Annual Meeting experience to life. Welcome to the Annual Meeting team, 2025 Grad Staff! 

Alvin Robertson

University of Florida

Emma Plum

North Carolina State University

Hugh Sidabutar

Kansas State University

Jamison Wood

University of Georgia

Joey Rios

Western Illinois University

Madison Singh

University of Denver

Naomi Young

Indiana University

Nolan Rehrig

Boston College

Nyarial Nyoak

Iowa State University

Saul Perez

University of Texas-Austin