special events.
special events.
Select from one of the regions below:
ltidwell@rentfurniture.com
972-400-4233
Meet Leigh Tidwell, Vice President of Event Sales for AFR Furniture Rental. With 20+ years of industry experience, Leigh is a well-spring of special events knowledge.
Leigh has been involved in several professional associations over the years, including Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She is also former president of the Dallas Chapter of International Live Events Association (ILEA) and former president of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) Dallas Fort Worth Chapter.
Funny, energetic, and outspoken, Leigh is also deeply passionate about developing sincere relationships with her clients and team. Giving back to her community is an important part of her life. She is the mother of three children—two in college at Texas State and one grown and flown (plus three beloved fur-babies). When she’s not working, you might find her practicing yoga, keeping up with the latest trends, hanging out with her girls, or playing disc golf with her husband.
sbradley@rentfurniture.com
629-333-8664
Sarah has been an Account Executive with AFR since 2014 and has over two decades of experience in the events industry. Sarah serves as President of ILEA Nashville, and represents AFR as a proud member of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, MPI Tennessee, and Heels & Handshakes. If your company is based in Tennessee, Kentucky or Louisiana, Sarah can help you furnish your event anywhere in the nation!
Sarah is a graduate of UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management and began her professional career in Sales & Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott at Grande Lakes Orlando. She has previously owned a Charleston-based boutique event planning business, was an event designer at Sea Island Resort, and worked in meetings & events for the largest hotel in New Orleans, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. She now lives in the Nashville area with her family and is eager to bring her furniture rental and event design expertise to clients across the region.
National Account Director
jlemere@rentfurniture.com
407-947-1024
Julia LeMere began her career with AFR in 2011, showing impeccable work ethic and strength as a team player while advancing to her current role of National Account Director for our Events and Trade Show segments. She works directly with international clients and specializes in large accounts across the US – with a concentration in developing custom partnership programs.
Julia is kind, loyal, and always happy to provide clients with solutions. She maintains a winning attitude on every project and, with her European background, brings a certain flair and knowledge to creative design. Julia enjoys global travel and visiting with her grandchildren in Nashville. When she’s not working or traveling, you may find her indulging in British TV programs or (last but not least) fine dining.
lschumacher@rentfurniture.com
224-343-0692
Lindsey Schumacher has always had a natural passion for planning things, so a career centered around organizing and planning events is a perfect fit for her. She attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, majoring in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. While originally planning to be a chef, she fell in love with event planning in the hospitality industry during a college internship with a special event company. Once she realized her passion, she switched majors and the rest was history.
Prior to joining the AFR team in March of 2015, Lindsey worked at the Illinois Restaurant Association in the Special Events Department for eight years, producing large wine and food festivals including Chicago Gourmet and Taste of Chicago. She is a four-time recipient of the AFR Elite Circle Award and received the AFR Core Award for Customer Service Experience Star in 2019. Her favorite thing about her job is the opportunity to watch planning and hard work come to life as a seamless event.
Lindsey is friendly, fun, loyal, and dedicated to the success of her clients. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her 2-year-old daughter, Penelope. Her favorite shows to binge watch are Yellowstone and Gossip Girl and one of her favorite meals is tacos – because they’re delicious! Fun fact: Lindsey used to compete competitively as an equestrian in show jumping across the country and even once won the national championship.
vbuckley@rentfurniture.com
609-315-2809
A detail-oriented team player, Victoria Buckley is devoted to collaborating with her clients to help them achieve their highest level of success. Victoria began her journey with AFR in 2019 as a Customer Service Representative for the Residential Team and quickly evolved to an Account Executive, providing her the opportunity to use her creative design skills in home staging and model apartment furnishings. As a Greater Philadelphia native, Victoria is no stranger to the hospitality and event industry and is eager to offer her experience and passion in bringing your event to life!
When she’s not working, you can find Victoria trying a new recipe in the kitchen, spending time with her family and friends, or on a long walk with her Boxer-Beagle named Barney.
kantman@rentfurniture.com
630-988-5043
Organized, adaptable, and hardworking, Special Events Account Executive Kari Antman has always been naturally inspired by interior design. In her personal life, she is a lover of arts and crafts and DIY projects. Kari appreciates the challenge of finding the perfect creative solutions, so designing beautiful, higher-level spaces for her clients is an ideal creative mix that suits her personality very well.
Kari graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in hospitality tourism management and a minor in marketing and sales. Prior to joining the AFR team, she worked with American Hotel Register Company as part of their sales team for the education market, selling a wide array of products and planning dorm renovations, lounges, and university hotels with designers on campus. Kari was awarded the president’s top 10 trip during her last year with the company making her the youngest sales rep ever to receive the achievement.
To keep busy during the pandemic, Kari took an online ASL - American Sign Language course and 40+ LinkedIn courses. In her five-year plan, she would like to return to studying mixed martial arts and earn her black belt. She is a proud supporter of the Chicago White Sox and is part of their Volunteer Corps program. Her favorite shows to binge watch are The Good Place, Stranger Things, or anything on HGTV, and she has a Maine Coon cat named Dane, sometimes called Great Dane because he’s quite large. In her time away from work she can be found crafting something, working out, practicing yoga, baking a new recipe, trying a new restaurant with friends, exploring Chicago, and relaxing.
jard@rentfurniture.com
571-545-1676
Jimmy became a valuable member of the AFR team in June 2022, taking on the role of Special Events Sales Consultant. Having contributed to our success in the Southeast region, particularly in Atlanta and Nashville markets, he is now expanding his expertise to serve the Washington DC metro area in the Account Executive role.
A graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Jimmy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing with a minor in global supply chain management. All the while, event management, coordination, and smiling faces were three big loves and career motivations. His keen eye for detail and creative knack for color schemes and room planning are all evident in his proficiency in the Allseated 3D event planning platform.
Jimmy is adventurous, positive, and creative. He’s a huge Philly sports fan (the Eagles, the 76ers, and the Phillies in that order). If he could learn to master any one skill, it would be photography because he’s always been in awe of the art and the technique involved. When he’s not at work, you might find him exercising, golfing, hiking, reading, or snowboarding. He’s also a music lover, and he keeps his favorite songs playing around him as
sbradley@rentfurniture.com
629-333-8664
Sarah has been an Account Executive with AFR since 2014 and has over two decades of experience in the events industry. Sarah serves as President of ILEA Nashville, and represents AFR as a proud member of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, MPI Tennessee, and Heels & Handshakes. If your company is based in Tennessee, Kentucky or Louisiana, Sarah can help you furnish your event anywhere in the nation!
Sarah is a graduate of UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management and began her professional career in Sales & Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott at Grande Lakes Orlando. She has previously owned a Charleston-based boutique event planning business, was an event designer at Sea Island Resort, and worked in meetings & events for the largest hotel in New Orleans, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. She now lives in the Nashville area with her family and is eager to bring her furniture rental and event design expertise to clients across the region.
wbustamante@rentfurniture.com
201-376-8636
Supporting special events nationwide — especially those taking place near her hometown of Brooklyn, New York — Event Sales Consultant Wendy Bustamante is a creative and knowledgeable industry veteran who genuinely enjoys supporting her clients and AFR teammates. Currently living in Northern New Jersey, Wendy began working with AFR as a residential customer service representative soon after completing college. She was highly successful in her new role and, after mastering several other critical areas of the company, was soon promoted to inside sales representative for home staging and corporate apartments.
Beginning in 2007, Wendy focused her career solely on the world of special events and became a vital part of AFR’s very first special event sales team in the New York area. She worked tirelessly to grow her territory into a top market for seven consecutive years. Recently, Wendy has happily taken on the responsibility of applying her years of experience to help train new special event sales consultants.
Wendy has a strong passion for working with concerts and tours, and over the years she has had the opportunity to support many artists she thoroughly admires. A proud single parent of a Transgender teen, Wendy is a deeply involved ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her favorite lyric — from one of her favorite songs by the Notorious B.I.G. — is also a motto by which she lives her life every day: “Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart's in it. And live the phrase ‘Sky's the limit’.”
rcampbell@rentfurniture.com
619-936-1587
Special Events Account Executive Ryan Campbell has been an important part of Team AFR for nearly a decade. In fact, way back in 2012, Ryan played an integral role in the challenging task of opening a brand-new location in the Chicago area.
Ryan currently lives in Palm Springs, where he passionately supports clients and partners in addition to those in the San Diego, Phoenix, and Colorado areas. His favorite part about his job is that it gives him the opportunity to help make his clients shine. Ryan carefully considers their insight and ideas and brings their vision to life alongside the best operations team in the business.
Originally from Virginia, Ryan graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg - go Dukes! Shortly after college, Ryan moved to Chicago where he started his career with AFR and met his now-husband, Brock.
When he isn’t working, Ryan loves traveling, college sports, and mid-century modern design. He is an active participant in the Palm Springs Gay Sports League where he competes in indoor volleyball, badminton, racquetball, table tennis, and his newest obsession, pickleball. Ryan and Brock also love exploring the Palm Springs region with their rescue dachshund, Picalo.
Fun Fact: “I ran the 2012 Chicago Marathon, but I am not a runner. More on that over coffee!”
mdiaz@rentfurniture.com
305-967-1374
Mandy Diaz is a passionate designer, doer, and dreamer with 20+ years of hands-on event industry experience spanning celebrities, corporate clients, sports marketing agencies, experiential agencies, and much more. Upon joining Team AFR in the role of Account Executive more than 10 years ago, Mandy quickly made a name for herself among clients and industry associates alike as a detail-focused creative with a knack for reaching clients organically and growing brands.
Based in Miami, Mandy is a lover of furniture, dogs, people, art, and life. She loves forming relationships and making connections, growing her professional network across much of the US and Puerto Rico. Mandy has spent years sharpening her skills and likes to channel her inspirations directly into her work to turn the visions of her clients into a vivid and beautiful reality.
afeliciano@rentfurniture.com
407-489-4986
Sometimes people stumble upon their dream jobs without knowing it at the time. While working in the recreation department at the Omni ChampionsGate, Amanda Feliciano ran into the departing Catering Coordinator and struck up a conversation to learn more about the role. She decided to interview and was offered the position, her passion blossoming as she was promoted to Catering Service Manager – and later Catering Sales Manager.
Amanda met her husband and, after eight great years at the Omni, knew it was time to expand her career experience. She decided to take on an Event Sales Consultant role at AFR Furniture Rental and was promoted to Account Executive after three short months. Unfortunately COVID-19 put things on hold and she temporarily shifted into the fintech industry. Now that she’s back on Team AFR, Amanda couldn’t be happier to offer her skills in the event industry where she feels most fulfilled.
When she’s not planning next-level events for her clients, Amanda can be found enjoying her newborn baby boy, whipping something up in the kitchen, checking out new local restaurants, or sipping on a glass of sauvignon blanc.
sgieseke@rentfurniture.com
832-547-7007
With a wealth of experience and a passion for creating unforgettable events, Samantha Gieseke joined the AFR Furniture Rental team in 2024 as a Special Events Account Executive.
Samantha's love for hospitality began at a young age, starting with her first role as a hostess at 16. She pursued this passion academically, graduating cum laude from the prestigious Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston.
Following graduation, Samantha honed her event planning skills at a wellness training academy before venturing out to establish her own successful wedding and event planning business. Over a decade, she led the planning and execution of more than 500 events.
Throughout her career, Samantha discovered a talent for problem-solving and a deep appreciation for crafting exceptional food and beverage experiences. She thrives on creating welcoming and fun environments for live events. Always seeking new challenges, Samantha joined AFR, a company she long admired.
Active in the Houston community, Samantha serves as a Director of Marketing for the NACE Houston Board of Directors (2023-present) and is a member of Women in Sports and Events Houston. She also volunteers as an Assistant Captain with the School Art Auction at the Houston Rodeo.
At AFR, Samantha values the company's commitment to its employees, the collaborative atmosphere, and the opportunity to expand her expertise within the corporate events sector.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys exploring Houston's parks and bayou trails, and is especially active during Rodeo season. An avid reader, she devours books, often finishing them in one sitting. When cheering on her favorite Houston teams, the Astros and the Texans, her energetic and welcoming personality truly shines!
chanson@rentfurniture.com
480-653-0720
Cynthia Hanson is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience. She is originally from Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in hospitality management. She began her career in hotels in downtown Columbus, before moving to Arizona in 2001. In Arizona, she has worked for various large-scale hotels, including the largest in the state. She has won numerous awards for her sales achievements and brings a wealth of knowledge to the sales and events arena.
Cynthia and her husband, Chris, are real estate investors with three short-term rental properties. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and her Beagle puppy, Wilbur. Cynthia also enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching her favorite college football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, during the season.
ljolcover@rentfurniture.com
224-754-1351
With a career spanning decades in the event industry, Laura Jolcover brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Special Events Account Executive at AFR Furniture Rental. Her passion for creating extraordinary experiences is evident in her meticulous attention to detail, unparalleled service, and keen eye for design.
A seasoned professional with a proven track record in sales and marketing, Laura's focused diligence and integrity have consistently driven her success. Her ability to anticipate client needs and provide tailored solutions ensures that every event she manages is a resounding success.
Prior to joining AFR, Laura honed her skills in the event industry, leveraging her experience to deliver exceptional results. Her educational background at Millikin University and her State of Illinois broker's license further solidify her professional qualifications.
When she's not immersed in the world of events, Laura enjoys maintaining a healthy work-life balance through daily workouts, nutritious eating, and leisurely walks. An enthusiastic sports fan, she passionately supports all Chicago sports teams.
When she's not working, you might find her hitting the gym or perfecting her golf swing.
A fun fact about Laura: she was a talented DJ during her college years.
jlevy@rentfurniture.com
702-612-0257
Julie Levy is no newbie to the events and furniture industries. She began her career in 1999 and joined the AFR team in August of 2012. After spending two years in Seattle, Julie has returned to Las Vegas to continue her career at AFR. A Vegas native and event industry veteran with over 22 years of experience in furniture rental and manufacturing industries for conventions, meetings, and events, Julie is excited to return home.
Julie plans to continue her presence in the event and trade show industries through her involvement with industry organizations including the International Live Events Association (ILEA), and Vegas-based Convention Services Association (CSA) and Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA). While in Seattle, Julie became the Vice President of WIPA Seattle in its inaugural year.
Julie is fluent in American Sign Language and as a busy mother of four kids (from three years to college-age) she spends a lot of her life drinking coffee and at soccer fields. Though Julie has no significant amount of spare time on her hands, she still knows how to enjoy some Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia and support the causes dear to her heart like the Just One Project and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
qlewis@rentfurniture.com
470-590-6498
Qiyamah, better known as "Q" to her industry mates, began her events profession as a party promoter in her hometown of Los Angeles, California. It wasn't until 2011, when she moved to Atlanta, that her career as an event pro was solidified. After attending The International School of Hospitality, Q earned her certification in Conference Management and Event Planning. The education she received led to an opportunity at one of the nation's largest exhibit houses, Czarnowski Display Services - where she worked as an Account Coordinator for GlaxoSmithKline. The relationships cultivated within the tradeshow world helped pave the way for her success as an Event Sales Consultant at AFR Furniture Rental.
Starting in 2016, Q served Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee alongside her sales partner Sarah Bradley. In July of 2022, she was promoted to account executive for Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. On more than one occasion, she's been awarded for her performance. Clients and colleagues would describe her as cool, kind and calm under pressure. Q and her husband Mike have a big, beautiful, blended family and reside in Marietta, GA.
knewby@rentfurniture.com
415-961-0368
Event professional Kathy Newby began her career in 1986 managing and executing trade shows before quickly moving into the production and rental side of special events. Her expertise lies in venue transformation, logistics, and creating seamless full-service event experiences. Her naturally comfortable style and extensive event knowledge make her well suited for social and corporate clientele who require a high level of privacy and discretion.
With accomplishments ranging from celebrity weddings and professional sports events to cultural celebrations and gala benefits, Kathy has been honored with numerous prestigious awards and honors. She has been guest speaker at Eventworld, guest speaker and presenter at The Special Event, and has been quoted in several industry magazines in addition to her published work in Special Events Magazine. A current member of the International Live Events Association (ILEA), Kathy has served as President of the ILEA Northern California Chapter, Vice President of the ILEA Western Region, and International Chair for the ILEA Esprit Awards – all for two consecutive terms. She has also served on several ILEA International committees and task forces. Kathy is Inaugural Chapter President for the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) San Francisco Bay Area chapter and has served on their national board of directors. She has also been a member of National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) and served on the Planning Committee for the Bay Area Wedding Network (BAWN).
Kathy received designation as a Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) from the American Rental Association in 2015 and was recertified for her CERP designation in 2020.
rpanczenko@rentfurniture.com
213-563-9870
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Rachel is excited to help you with your next event! Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband, child, pets, and a whole lot of plants. She is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and grew up with a passion for music and the arts. Pursuing her passions she attended the prestigious, University of Hartford the Hartt School of Music, where she received her B.A. in Performing Arts Management with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she worked in concert production for multiple venues in New England, then ultimately found herself back home in Baltimore where she transitioned into the world of Special Events. In 2018, after many hours of continuing education, Rachel earned her CPCE designation (Certified Professional in Catering and Events), through the National Association of Catering & Events. With Rachel’s husband working in the film industry and her passion for events, it just made sense to move to the heart of it all, LA! She loves calling Los Angeles her home and can’t wait to make your next event a huge success!
mreed@rentfurniture.com
332-257-5007
Meredith Reed brings a wealth of hospitality experience and a passion for creating unforgettable events to AFR Furniture Rental's special event segment.
Prior to joining AFR, Meredith got her start as a wedding planner in Las Vegas, orchestrating dream celebrations with an eye for luxury and detail. She then transitioned to the supplier side at Current Events, playing a key role in curating a diverse inventory of cutting-edge event essentials.
Meredith's passion for excellence and new opportunities led her to New York City. There, she joined Ace Party and Tent Rental, a leading event solutions provider. Immersed in the city's dynamic event scene, she built valuable relationships and gained a deep understanding of the industry.
Leveraging her well-rounded industry knowledge, Meredith joined AFR in 2024 and seamlessly transitioned to her current role as Account Executive. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail, unwavering dedication to client satisfaction, and an ability to transform client visions into flawless reality. With genuine care and honesty, she builds lasting relationships with clients, making her a trusted partner in crafting memorable experiences.
Meredith is a strong advocate for the special events industry, currently serving as Director of Networking for MPI Greater New York. Previously, she held a leadership role with ILEA Las Vegas (2015-2018).
When she's not bringing her expertise to client events, Meredith enjoys exploring new destinations, attending live sporting events and concerts, and hitting the slopes – her love for skiing fueling her dedication to fitness.
ascott@rentfurniture.com
214-929-4943
Ashley Scott is an Inside sales Consultant with AFR. With over 15 years of sales experience, she prides herself in creating exceptional customer experiences by building relationships, working as a team player and exceeding the needs of her clients. Her first year with AFR, she achieved Elite Status and assisted in making YTD sales for her assigned territory. In the past, Ashley has worked as a Sales Manager for various retail and e-commerce companies. Ashley graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Psychology. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her dog George, traveling and online shopping!
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
jwalsh@rentfurniture.com
629-295-1186
Jane Walsh launched her events career in 2016, honing her skills while assisting wedding planners. Her passion for the event industry blossomed from the dynamic environment and the meaningful connections she fostered while coordinating weddings.
A graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management (event management focus) and a minor in business administration, Jane brings a combination of event expertise and business acumen to her role.
Nashville became Jane’s new home in 2019, and she hasn't looked back since. Drawn to the warm and welcoming nature of the ever-evolving city, she remains captivated by its spirit to this day.
What excites Jane most about events is witnessing the synergy between vendors, each contributing their expertise to realize a client's unique vision. Driven by innovation, she approaches each client engagement with a fresh perspective, determined to deliver an event unlike any other.
Jane is an active member of Heels and Handshakes and has previously served on the board of The Next Door Recovery young professionals board. In 2022, her achievements were celebrated by the Nashville community as she received the prestigious Nashville Emerging Leader Award in the Hospitality and Tourism category.
In her free time, Jane combines her love for animals with her active lifestyle by riding American Saddlebred horses at a local farm. When seeking quieter moments, she prefers curling up with a good book.
Jane is delighted to join the AFR family and contribute her creative talents to crafting innovative and unforgettable event designs for her clients.
ayurack@rentfurniture.com
860-508-4416
At age 22, Adam Yurack took a sleeveless summer job out of college working in the promotions and event marketing department for an iHeartRadio station in Hartford, CT. What he thought was going to be a quick and fun three-month minimum wage job turned in a lifelong passion for events and marketing. When the market collapsed in 2008, Adam followed many in the events industry and began searching for a new job in the ever-growing healthcare field. Though he successfully worked his way up to Regional Marketing Manager, he still felt a void in his life from not expressing himself through his love of events.
Adam would later find himself working weekends for an event marketing company based in Hartford for now-mentor Kristin Beth Ferris of the Ferris Events. Today, Adam focuses his drive and passion for his clients at AFR Furniture Rental. The thing that excites him most about his career is the opportunity to watch his clients bask in the success of their event – and knowing that he played a big part in bringing it to life.
malejo@rentfurniture.com
407-739-3021
National event and trade show sales consultant, Marisol Alejo, graduated from University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management in 2016. She began her career as a freelance event coordinator at TEK Productions while still in school, and worked through college internships, eventually staying on as senior event coordinator after she graduated.
Marisol’s mother is also an event industry veteran so creating engaging and inspiring event designs is something that comes very naturally to her. Easy-going, compassionate, and creative, she loves expanding on themes and ideas to bring them to life. She has three dogs, Lena, Bronn, and Sarge, and a snake, Lupin. A music lover through and through, Marisol says she might not be able to live without her record player. She’s also been training in mixed martial arts for over four years!
ncarlson@rentfurniture.com
702-305-4986
Special Events Sales Consultant Nicole Carlson began working with AFR Furniture Rental in 2021. She grew up in the event world; her first job was setups and teardowns for Las Vegas Props Studio. Nicole graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) with a degree in merchandise product development. Before joining the AFR team, she worked in fashion design for several clothing companies, including Parker Smith, GM Studio, Miss Me, and Guess, where she was the youngest designer on the team. She also worked at Dzines Events, Floriculture, and as a high school fashion teacher.
Nicole is dependable, kind, and always willing to learn new things. She enjoys drawing, painting, designing clothes, and working on cool DIY furniture projects. Her favorite shows to binge watch are Friends and Supernatural, and her favorite team is the Vegas Golden Knights. The first concert she attended was Garth Brooks, and if she could meet anyone, it would be Elvis because he’s her favorite icon. She has two Miniature Australian Shepherds, and when she’s not at work, you might find her sewing outfits, checking out new restaurants, and tasting wines.
rcosgriff@rentfurniture.com
215-436-5782
We’re happy to introduce Special Event Sales Consultant Rachel Cosgriff as one of our latest additions to the AFR team. From the AFR corporate office in Pennsauken, New Jersey, Rachel enjoys collaborating with clients and is always inspired when using the Allseated 3D space planning platform to design vivid custom floor plans.
A recent graduate of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Rachel majored in entertainment marketing and minored in photography. During her time there, she became the first female general manager of the campus station. She also coordinated several on-campus events which gave her an inside look at the world of special events. Rachel knew right away that this career path had the potential to be something magical for her.
She has achieved many proud accomplishments in the world of photography including having pieces hung in a Philadelphia exhibit. Her senior year she was one of the select few students chosen to take part in an annual semester-long gallery and thesis project. She was even named Artist of the Month in March of 2022 at an international art gallery in Arizona.
Rachel is determined, energetic, and active. She couldn’t live without music and if she could learn to do one thing in the future it would be surfing. She has volunteered her time tutoring children after school in Kensington, PA and Camden, NJ. When she’s not working, she might be exercising, reading, cleaning, cooking, or watching an Eagles game with her dogs, Milo and Eddie.
acouitt@rentfurniture.com
214-701-8783
Alyson Couitt has been an important part of AFR’s National Accounts team for over six years and has recently made a switch over to the exciting world of special events. Alyson is eager to utilize her love for design and customer service expertise to create amazing experiences for her clients. Years ago, she came across a quote that continues to motivate her professionally and personally: “Every expert was once a beginner.”
In her spare time, Alyson loves to binge-watch the latest Netflix shows and spend time with her husband, two sons, family dog, and friends. During the summer months, you can find her at the beach or by the pool – really anywhere there’s water!
sdoherty@rentfurniture.com
781-430-9279
Event Sales Consultant Sean Doherty first joined Team AFR in 2018 as an inside sales coordinator. He was promoted to customer service manager before a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, quickly returning as national account coordinator on a small team handling a very high-volume of client accounts. Most recently, Sean has transitioned into an event sales consultant role as of March of 2022.
Sean has a background in customer experience management, design, and analytics, and he’s worked in virtually every AFR company segment. Prior to his work at AFR, he received a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2013, minoring in international trade and political economy in developing nations. He began his career in food service before moving into retail management, focusing on merchandising and planning for several diverse retail operations.
Thoughtful, sociable, and direct, Sean would like to learn multiple languages so he can talk to anyone. He loves working with furniture and excels at suggesting colors and vignettes that best compliment a particular audience or space. His favorite team is the Boston Bruins and his favorite show to binge watch is Friends. His most prized possession is his laptop, and when he isn’t working, you can find him at home with his two Old English Sheepdogs, his Hahn's Macaw, and an axolotl.
With over 15 years of experience in event planning and design, Carolyn Flueckiger brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every project. Her educational foundation began at James Madison University, where she earned a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a concentration in Special Events.
Carolyn thrives on transforming client visions into beautiful and unforgettable realities. Her proven track record showcases her expertise in managing all aspects of an event, from conception to flawless execution. Highly skilled and experienced, she possesses a deep understanding of the event planning process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
Beyond her technical proficiency, Carolyn is a creative and innovative thinker. She consistently generates fresh ideas to make each event unique. Her dedication to exceeding expectations extends to building genuine connections with her clients. Carolyn takes the time to understand their individual needs and priorities, ensuring every detail reflects their vision.
When she's not meticulously crafting exceptional events, Carolyn enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, exploring new destinations through travel, and indulging in her passion for cooking. An avid gardener, she also cherishes time spent outdoors.
agayed@rentfurniture.com
323-273-8589
Inside Sales Consultant and event furniture pro Amanda Gayed joined Team AFR in 2008. Caring, determined, and extremely knowledgeable, Amanda has 15+ years of experience in the hospitality industry with a background in event coordination, vendor services, hotel management, and customer service. The opportunity to watch every little detail unfold into a seamless event is something she treasures most about her work.
Amanda loves to spend her free time with family, cooking delicious meals, and catching up on her favorite crime shows or anything on Home Network, ID Channel, and the Food Network. She also recently welcomed Arlo, an adorable seven-week-old Doberman Pinscher, to her family.
khughes@rentfurniture.com
847-207-8195
Get ready for amazing events! Kristin Hughes is now part of AFR Furniture Rental's Event Sales team. Joining AFR in 2023, Kristin thrives on blending her design passion with crafting unique, memorable events. With a lifelong passion for the event industry, she found her move to AFR to be thrilling.
Kristin got her start at Panera Bread, where the company saw her grow from high school student to seasoned corporate expert over 10 years. She blazed the trail for catering, becoming Panera’s first Catering Coordinator. In this new role, she crafted delicious and impressive spreads while devising community-focused marketing strategies to catapult business to new heights. Kristin eventually dove headfirst into the world of corporate marketing, shadowing the Panera team for two transformative years while finishing college. California dreams came true in 2015 when she became Panera's Regional Catering Sales Manager for the Southern California Market.
Her passion for crafting unforgettable events found a new home at Sweetfin. Launching their catering and events department in 2018, she orchestrated delicious experiences for corporate retreats, meetings, and festivals. During the pandemic, she embraced private chef work while joining forces with a local performance chef to relaunch their CPG product, proving that creativity thrives even in challenging times.
Driven by her experiences at Panera, she embarked on a quest for marketing knowledge at the acclaimed Smeal College of Business at Penn State University, eager to decode the magic behind successful brands.
Kristin currently volunteers her time to both Achilles National and the Santa Monica Pickleball Club, serving as the event coordinator for the club's networking group and an active member of the SMPC.
Travel and leisure punctuate Kristin’s busy days. Embarking on her first solo adventure to Thailand post-college sparked a love for travel that wouldn't be extinguished. Sun, sand, and sweat – her off-duty hours are all about recharging with a blend of beach bliss and active pursuits.
mkramer@rentfurniture.com
773-758-3203
Megan Kramer is a dedicated and results-oriented Event Sales Consultant with a proven track record in the events industry. Joining the AFR team in 2023, she brings over 15 years of experience to her role.
Prior to AFR, Megan spent seven years with a Chicago-based DMC, where she honed her skills in event planning and execution. Her previous role as Special Event Manager for an event marketing agency, managing the Bacardi portfolio, further solidified her expertise. Earlier in her career, she served as Event Sales Manager for a prominent city restaurant and venue.
A graduate of International Design and Technology in Chicago, Megan is a multiple ILEA award winner, recognized for her exceptional event planning expertise. Her enthusiasm for the industry is contagious, and she thrives on building strong relationships with clients.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and staying active.
slazzara@rentfurniture.com
630-405-3156
Stephanie Lazzara began working at AFR in 2017 as a special event sales consultant. Before joining the team, she was an assistant promotion manager 101.9fm The MIX and Chicago’s 100.3fm where she managed interns and promotions assistants and helped plan, schedule, and execute events. She started her career as an intern at 101.9fm The MIX while still in college. Her role required her to represent the station at many different events, and as she worked her way up, her love of events grew immensely. She was also previously a marketing manager at Fresh Thyme Market where she planned and attended store grand openings throughout the Midwest.
Stephanie graduated with a degree in marketing from DePaul University in Chicago. Her favorite thing about her job is all the friendships she’s made with her awesome team. She has travelled to Ireland, England, Sicily, and Costa Rica, and whether she’s exploring the neighborhood or on a trail, she aways enjoys a good walk. When she’s not working, you might find her spending time with family and friends—especially her one-year-old son, Loreto, and husband of six years, Peter.
Aside from her family and friends, she couldn’t live without music. Backstreet Boys was the first concert she ever attended, so boy bands will always hold a special place in her heart. You might not know this, but Stephanie has been on stage with Bon Jovi at the United Center and Jason Mraz at the Hollywood Bowl!
mmccall@rentfurniture.com
470-501-0008
Meagan McCall graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a minor in event management. Though she began her first semester in college majoring in microbiology and macrobiology, she changed her major to focus on hospitality management after finding an inspiring career day presentation totally clicked with her personality.
While a junior in college in 2012, Meagan first joined the AFR team in Orlando as an intern. Her internship grew into a part-time job, which grew into an inside sales coordinator role in Dallas once she graduated college. With hard work, her role evolved into an account executive position for Dallas and Austin, later moving to cover Georgia and Alabama territories.
A recipient of a NACE Rising Star Award as well as several Allie Awards and AFR Elite Circle Awards, Meagan is a passionate, caring, and strong-willed sales expert with years of industry experience. Her favorite part about her job is the opportunity to express her creativity with clients and teammates. When Meagan isn’t at work, you might find her hanging out with her wife and son.
And you may not know this, but Meagan can name every US president in order in under 30 seconds! Ready, set, go!
tmoore@rentfurniture.com
919-291-0658
Trish Moore is an AFR veteran of more than 15 years, focusing specifically on event rentals since 2008 as Special Event Sales Consultant. Detail-oriented and creative by nature, Trish is passionate about design and always strives to create events that are one of a kind. She was also a member of the Triangle ILEA chapter for 13 years, developing professional and personal relationships that have been influential to her career in the event industry.
Trish is dedicated to achieving success for her clients and is inspired every day by her dedicated teammates and the support of her family. In her free time she enjoys long-distance running and traveling. In fact, visiting new places and experiencing new things has been crucial to her personal and professional growth.
cmurphy@rentfurniture.com
405-269-2328
After 10+ years of experience as an event and trade show planner for a major car audio company in Oklahoma, Casey Murphy moved to Las Vegas with her husband and daughter in search of a new challenge. She began working with kool. Party Rentals in 2014 before the company was acquired by AFR in 2017 - at which time she became very well-versed in AFR’s product and even product development. Years of working as a planner have given her a unique perspective on the needs and expectations of her clients. As an Inside Sales Consultant at AFR, Casey focuses closely on consistent client relationships and is expert level in the art of making things happen.
When she isn’t working her superhero magic at AFR, Casey can be found spending time working on crafts in her she-shed, going on road trips with her husband Sean, and trying new and exciting recipes. She also plays an important role in her local landowners association board.
mshutts@rentfurniture.com
407-840-1073
Born and raised in Central Florida, Megan Shutts graduated from UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. She began her career in the hospitality industry working for Disney and then found herself working as the event manager for two unique event venues in the area: the Central Florida Zoo and Orlando Science Center. She is excited to bring her experience with different venues and her creative soul to her latest role as event sales consultant with AFR.
Talking about Pantone colors, design, and furniture brings Megan to life! In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, crafting, and spending time with her dog, Odin.
csorensen@rentfurniture.com
610-858-8604
Cheran Sorensen joined AFR in summer 2022, leveraging over 10 years of on-site property management and homeowner association experience. After excelling for a year and a half in the residential division, her passion for event coordination led her to transition to the Special Events team.
A graduate of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, Cheran holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Her interest in history, particularly World War II, fuels her desire to learn from the heroes and leaders of that era. Additionally, she aspires to become fluent in multiple languages, with a particular focus on Dutch to connect with her Dutch heritage.
When Cheran's not creating exceptional event experiences, she enjoys spending time with her furry companions – Winnie the dog, and cats Theo and Ralphie. A true Detroit loyalist, she cheers on the Red Wings and unwinds with classic shows like The Sopranos. Traveling, attending concerts, catching hockey games, and simply enjoying the company of her pets round out her off-the-clock life.
Fun Fact: An interesting tidbit – Cheran has lived in a remarkable seven different states throughout her life!
dstem@rentfurniture.com
972-626-2766
Event Sales Consultant Dovie Stem first joined the AFR team as an intern during the summer of 2015 and again during the summer of 2022. She began her full-time position as an inside sales coordinator that August. Before working full-time at AFR, Dovie got her start as a day-of wedding coordinator’s assistant. She also held both educational and professional stage management positions and even worked in a day-of crew for large fireworks productions. People, celebrations, and self-expression are three of her biggest passions.
Dovie graduated from Texas State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance and production with a concentration in stage and event management. Passionate, observant, and resourceful, her favorite part about her job at AFR is the opportunity to collaborate with different people and personalities every day. She regularly attends meetings for the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (DFW NACE)—and she expects to be a full member soon!
If she could meet anyone, Dovie's dream is to meet Dolly Parton since she has the highest admiration for both her music and her personality. If given the chance, she would like to be certified in pyrotechnics for special effects. Dovie enjoys working on creative projects and traveling around the country with her boyfriend. When she’s not at work, you might find her spending time with her friends, family, and pet cat, Pot.
Many people don’t know this, but Dovie used to be an actor, and she competed in speech and debate in high school and college.
