AAFS Meeting Department Staff Updates

There have been transitions within the AAFS Meeting Department, and we are thrilled to announce that Christine Montoya has been promoted to the position of Sr. Meeting and Sponsorship Manager and Ashley Derden has been promoted to Meeting and Education Manager.

Since joining AAFS in 2022, Christine has over 18 years of event planning experience with several corporate entities and has consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and innovation. In her previous role as Meeting Manager, Christine was instrumental in rebuilding the AAFS Conference sponsorship program, increasing exhibitor satisfaction and overall attendee satisfaction, and implementing cost-cutting measures. 

In her new role, Christine will be responsible for budget, freight, affiliates, contracts, DMC coordination, exhibit hall, food and beverage, future site selection, meeting space assignments, off-site events, signage and branding, event ordering, projection timelines, section liaison, security coordination, sponsorship management, transportation, travel coordination, University Fair and Employment Forum, and conference receptions. 

Ashley also joined in 2022 with over 5½ years in customer operations and guest relations with Walt Disney World and has consistently demonstrated teamwork, problem solving, attention to detail, and adaptability. Since joining us as a Meeting Coordinator, Ashley has been integral in building the AAFS Connect program, teaching us about the LAST Method, re-vamping our volunteer program, and contributing to overall attendee satisfaction. She has taken the silent auction to the next level, which raises money for the Forensic Sciences Foundation.

Ashley will be responsible for audiovisual, abstract submissions, awards coordination, continuing education support, grants, international invitations, attendee support, registration management, silent auction, volunteer coordination, and webinar/educational sessions. 

We are confident they will both bring passion and excellence to their new roles.