Amy Defibaugh (she/her) has joined AAR as director of programs and meetings. She is now handling the programming aspects of AAR's Annual Meeting, virtual meeting programming as decided upon for the future, and directing AAR's publications.
She holds a PhD in religion from Temple University with a research focus on death and dying studies. While completing her dissertation, Amy was the associate director of academic affairs for Temple’s College of Liberal Arts during which she created small and large-scale events and programs. After completing her degree, she took on the role of director of graduate affairs, overseeing 14 PhD and 22 master’s programs across the humanities and social sciences. Amy became a member of the AAR as a graduate student over 10 years ago and has since served as a co-chair of the Death, Dying and Beyond program unit and chair of the Applied Religious Studies Committee. With event planning, administrative, and academic experience, she brings a wide range of skills and knowledges to the role of director of programs and meetings. Amy is an advocate and champion of higher education (graduate education in particular), career diversity, engaged scholarship and promoting the public understanding of religion. Amy lives in Maine with her partner, daughter, and two dogs.
Sandy Stevens (she/her), AAR's events manager, is now handling the broader logistical aspects of Annual Meeting planning and implementation. These responsibilities include space planning, deployment of staff and volunteer resources, housing, registration, pre-conference workshops, tours, Other Events and much more.
Sandy has more than 30 years in the meetings and events industry working with trade and professional associations, non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and for-profit organizations. Prior to moving to Atlanta 11 years ago, Sandy lived in Tallahassee, FL where she owned and operated a full-service meeting planning company. Teaching and coaching interns and field study students from Florida State University was the highlight of her career. Sandy recently earned the Sustainable Event Certification from the Events Industry Council and is studying for the Certified Meetings Professional (CMP) designation. When Sandy is "off the clock," she enjoys camping, grilling, kayaking, hiking, sewing for her new granddaughter, and cooking with a kitchen full of friends.
AAR looks forward to the creativity and tenacity they will each bring to our collective work.