Meet The Team

Katie joined the UF Conference Department team in 2015 and has experience in customer service, project management, stakeholder management, meeting and conference planning, and event design for planning and executing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, with a Specialization in Event Management, from the University of Florida and earned her Masters of Science in Tourism and Commercial Recreation from the University of Florida in April 2016.

Since 2015, Katie has been an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where she currently serves as Immediate Past President of the North Florida Chapter and has also served 2 years as Vice President of Communications, 1 year as Vice President of Finance, 1 year as President Elect, and 1.5 years as Chapter President. Katie was also awarded Planner of the Year for 2018-2019 & 2021-2022 and the President’s Award for 2019-2020 from the MPI North Florida Chapter. Katie obtained her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification in January of 2018 and a Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification from Professional Convention and Management Association (PCMA) and MPI in June 2020. Katie was also awarded a Division Three Superior Accomplishment Award from UF in March 2023. This program is designed to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their dedication to their jobs and for going above and beyond to advance the mission of our great university and serve the community at-large.

Alex joined the UF Conference Department in January 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her tenure at the University of Florida, where she had been an integral part of the Department of Pathology since 2016. In her role as Logistics Coordinator, Alex developed a robust skill set in logistics, project management, purchasing, customer service, and marketing, consistently demonstrating her ability to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Since 2019, Alex has also been making her mark in the wedding and events industry. She has refined her expertise in event planning, execution, and design, with a strong emphasis on project management and delivering exceptional client experiences. Alex is a Certified Wedding Planner through The CWP Society, further solidifying her credentials in the field. Her dedication to the industry is evident through her active membership in Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Within the North Florida chapter, she serves on several committees, including communications, special events, and social media marketing, contributing her knowledge and enthusiasm to advance the organization’s goals.

Alex’s commitment to professional growth is further underscored by her pursuit of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, a testament to her dedication to excellence and continuous improvement in the field of event management.

In her free time, Alex enjoys shopping, savoring iced coffee, and spending time near the water. Whether she’s at the pool, beach, lake, or springs, she finds the water to be the perfect backdrop for relaxation and inspiration.

Graduating from the University of Florida in 2013 with a BA in Anthropology, Kevin brings an array of skills and interests to the conferences department including: client relations, project management, and strategic planning.

Kevin has been with the University of Florida since 2017 as the Conference-Event Planner at the College of Public Health and Health Professions, and has been working in event management in higher education since 2016.

Active in the Central Florida chapter of Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Kevin serves as the 1st Vice President and earned his Certified Government Meeting Professional credential in 2021.

Kevin is currently pursuing his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential and is interested in furthering his skills in virtual event management. During his free time, Kevin enjoys kayaking local rivers, camping, and tailgating for Gators football!

Since embarking on her journey in the events sector in 2010, Lauren has executed over 300 events, leaving her mark on venues as diverse as a century-old theater and a grand opera house, to more unconventional venues such as the public gardens of a nationally acclaimed zoo and within university art museums.

Lauren’s tenure at UF began in 2019. Joining the Conference Department in 2021, Lauren has enhanced her knowledge in client experience, project management, and event planning with a focus on eco-friendly practices. Her commitment to the field is evident in her active role with Meeting Professionals International, where she serves as the Director of Communications on the North Florida chapter’s board.

Lauren’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in interior design, and she received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in 2023. Her dedication to environmental stewardship recently led her to earn the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) though the Events Industry Council’s Center for Sustainability and Social Impact, further highlighting her unwavering pursuit of sustainability in the events sector.

Away from the bustle of events, Lauren enjoys home improvement projects, kayaking local springs and enjoying quality time with her loved ones and canine companion, Nasa. 🛶🐶