The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), McLean, Va., said it hired Mary Becton as its new director of conferences and Kristen Friend as the organization's new manager of conferences.

“Experienced and talented staff are essential to the success of a trade association, and the addition of Mary and Kristen bolsters an already highly-skilled AFFI,” said Naasz.  “Both Mary and Kristen bring the experience and skill set necessary to produce events and conferences our members rely upon as a benefit of AFFI membership.  I’m proud to welcome them to the AFFI team.”

Becton previously was director of meetings and events for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Before ASID, Becton was a meeting planner for the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association and the Industrial Truck Association.

Reporting to Becton is Friend, who previously was a meetings coordinator with the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP). Prior to AMCP, Friend was the meetings and registration assistant for the American Staffing Association.