American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
400 N. Columbus Street · Suite 202 · Alexandria, VA 22314
800-424-8080 (ph) · 703-706-4663 (fax) · info@aafcs.org · www.aafcs.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 24, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gwynn Mason
Senior Communications Manager
AAFCS
Phone: 703-706-4600, ext. 4621
Alternate Phone: 703-859-8235
Email: gmason@aafcs.org
Web: www.aafcs.org

Sue Byrd Named President-Elect
of the American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences


(Alexandria, Va. - July 24, 2009) — Sue Byrd, Ph.D., CFCS, professor, Family and Consumer Sciences Department, University of Tennessee at Martin, was named president-elect of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) at the recent AAFCS 100th Annual Conference & Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee. In a formal installation ceremony, Byrd and other AAFCS officers for the fiscal year 2009-2010 were officially sworn in by Past President Bonnie Braun, CFCS, during the AAFCS Senate.

“It is an honor to have been elected to this position by my colleagues and to have the opportunity to serve AAFCS and the profession. During these times when many families are struggling to make ends meet, it is important that family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals use their expertise to provide information that can help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions for an improved quality of life,” said Byrd. “AAFCS plays a vital role in empowering these professionals with research-based information to carry out this important mission. It is exciting to be a part of the leadership of AAFCS to support FCS professionals and move AAFCS forward into its second century as a leader in addressing issues of importance to individuals, families, and communities.”

An active and long-time AAFCS member, Byrd has served in numerous leadership positions at the national and affiliate levels. At the national level, she has been an AAFCS Council for Certification member, Community of Colleges, Universities, and Research leader, Accreditation site visitor, Communities Coordinating Team member, Nominating Committee member, and Higher Education Unit secretary. At the affiliate level, Byrd’s roles have included vice president for cooperative relations, vice president for internal affairs, board member, and president.

Byrd has published a variety of scholarly articles and presented at state, national, and international events. She recently presented “The Magnificent Textiles of China: Indigo Dyeing and Tie-Dyeing Examined” during the Community of Apparel, Textiles, and Design Juried Showcase and Exhibition at the Annual Conference in Knoxville. To support her research in apparel and textiles, she has also received a number of grants, including a faculty research grant to study minority cultures in China.

In honor of her many important contributions to family and consumer sciences, Byrd has received the AAFCS and Tennessee Affiliate Leaders Awards; University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Pat and Joe Johnson Faculty Development Award; Cunningham Outstanding Teacher/Scholar Award; and Tennessee Affiliate District A Award.

Other officers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year are Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCS, president; Jean Hanson Knaak, CFCS, treasurer; Peggy Wild, CFCS, director of affiliates; Sue Buck, CFCS, director-at-large; Nancy L. Granovsky, Director-at-Large; M. Virginia Richards, CFCS, director-at-large; Larissa Staley, Student Unit chair; Shelly M. Nickols-Richardson, past president; and Carolyn W. Jackson, CFCS, ex-officio, executive director.

About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support to FCS students and professionals in multiple practice settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ more than 6,000 members are elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension educators; and other professionals in business and industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government. With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va., AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Interviews/Quotes
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Gwynn Mason at 703-706-4600, ext. 4621, 703-859-8235, or gmason@aafcs.org.

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