Dear AAFCS Members,
As I prepare to step away from my role as Director of Marketing and Membership, with my last day being January 21, 2026, I find myself filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for a journey that has shaped both my career and my sense of purpose.
My AAFCS story began in 2017 when I joined as a student member. At the time, I could not have imagined how deeply this organization would influence my professional growth, leadership development, and lifelong connections within Family and Consumer Sciences. As a student leader, I had the privilege of serving on the National Student Unit from 2019–2020 as Vice Chair of Service and Outreach. That experience ignited my passion for service, collaboration, and advocacy for FCS, and it strengthened my connection to AAFCS as a professional home.
Throughout this time, I remained an active member of the Nebraska Affiliate, where I experienced firsthand the power of affiliate leadership, member engagement, and grassroots impact. Those experiences laid the foundation for the work I would later do at the national level.
In January 2022, I took a leap and joined the AAFCS national staff as the Associate Director of Membership and Communications. Over the years, I had the opportunity to grow, learn, and serve in various roles, eventually stepping into my current position as Director of Marketing and Membership. Each role brought new challenges, opportunities, and lessons that pushed me to think creatively, lead with intention, and always center the needs of our members and affiliates.
During my time on staff, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. From the development and launch of the ELEVATE FCS campaign, to creating conference branding and logos, expanding our social media presence, and supporting affiliate, annual, and national conferences, each project reflected the collective passion and dedication of this community. I had the honor of representing AAFCS as booth staff, collaborating behind the scenes, and presenting at conferences—experiences that allowed me to connect directly with members and hear their stories, ideas, and hopes for the future of FCS.
What has meant the most to me, however, are the people. I am deeply grateful for the members, board members, affiliate leaders, volunteers, and fellow staff who have supported, encouraged, and challenged me along the way. Your commitment to AAFCS and to the profession made every long day, tight deadline, and ambitious goal worth it. I have learned so much from your leadership, passion, and dedication to advancing Family and Consumer Sciences.
While I am saddened to be leaving my role on staff, I am incredibly thankful for the experiences, relationships, and growth I have gained over the past several years. This transition is bittersweet, but it is also filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together.
This is not goodbye to AAFCS. I fully intend to remain an active member of the Nebraska Affiliate and continue my involvement with this organization that has given me so much. AAFCS will always be a part of my professional identity, and I look forward to supporting its mission in new ways in the years ahead.
Please feel free to reach out to me before or after my transition—I would love to stay connected. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be part of this incredible community. Serving AAFCS has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I will carry these experiences with me always.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude,
Toni Wiese | twiese@aafcs.org