AFIA_ Connie Samuels manager of meetings and events_Photo cred of AFIA
Constance Samuels

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. —  The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has appointed Constance Samuels as its new manager of meetings and events. She will work with Veronica Rovelli, AFIA senior director of meetings and events, in planning and executing events, partner educational programs, committee meetings, board meetings and webcasts.

Samuels joins the AFIA from Envision EMI, where she was contracts and events manager. She has additional experience in the events industry from the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S., and White Lodging Services in Austin, Texas, U.S.

“Connie brings a wealth of diverse experience, and I’m excited to have her on board,” Rovelli said.

Samuels has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Virginia State University and is a certified meeting professional.

Samuels joined AFIA June 21. She can be reached at 703. 558.3573 or [email protected].

Samuels appointment is the most recent in staff changes or new hires in the past few months.

In mid-June, Rovelli was promoted to senior director of meetings and events. Rovelli has been with the AFIA since 2008 and is responsible for the planning and implementation of all AFIA meetings, webinars and the International Feed Expo.

In March, Gary Huddleston was promoted to director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. He previously was the manager of feed manufacturing safety and environmental affairs. He joined the AFIA in 2015.

In February, Jenny McFarland was appointed as AFIA’s new executive assistant to the president and chief executive officer (CEO), Joel G. Newman. In addition to supporting the association’s president, she will handle administrative duties for AFIA's foundation, the Institute for Feed Education & Research.