Meet the AWT Staff
AWT will now use a ticketing system to contact all staff departments. Please email help@awt.org.
Executive Director
Matt Coffindaffer brings over 17 years of association and nonprofit industry experience to AWT. His broad and diverse skillset includes expertise in strategic planning, governance, business development, member and volunteer engagement, financial management, and government affairs. Matt has served as executive director for several organizations, including the National Tax Association, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association, and the OpenTravel Alliance. He has also held leadership and management positions with the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the National Pest Management Association, and the National Council of Agricultural Employers. In addition to his considerable experience in the association industry, Matt has worked as an artist for the Juilliard School, the Metropolitan Opera, and other distinguished arts organizations within the United States and abroad.
Matt holds a BFA from West Virginia University and an MBA from the John Chambers College of Business & Economics of WVU. He received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2015. As an active member of ASAE, he currently serves on the ASAE Research Foundation’s Development Committee and is past chair of the Foundation Subcommittee on the Young Professionals Committee. He has also served on the Higher Logic Product Advisory Council and the EveryAction Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Matt has been recognized by his peers in the association industry as a recipient of the Association Forum/USAE Forty Under 40 Award and an ASAE NextGen scholar.
Deputy Executive Director
Sara returns to AWT as Deputy Executive Director, bringing more than 20 years of association management experience and a deep understanding of the organization gained through nearly nine years of prior service to AWT. Throughout her career, she has held executive leadership roles with several national associations, including the Public Media Business Association, the North American Association of Commencement Officers, and the American College of Health Care Administrators. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Membership and Marketing for the National Court Reporters Association.
In addition to her association leadership experience, Sara provides consulting and strategic facilitation services to associations and nonprofit organizations, specializing in governance, communications, and strategic planning. A frequent presenter for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), she has held the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential since 2014. Sara earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Mary Washington and an MBA from the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Director, Member Services & Operations
Janessa Kamps is an association management, marketing, and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations build stronger relationships with their members, customers, and communities. Her career began in local advertising and publishing, where she partnered with small business owners to develop marketing strategies that increased visibility, engagement, and growth.
Today, Janessa leads Momentum Association Management’s Washington, DC-area operations, working closely with association boards, executives, and staff teams to advance organizational goals through strategic communications, member engagement, governance support, and operational leadership. She is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations strengthen member value, improve operations, and turn strategic plans into measurable results.
Janessa holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Idaho. Originally from Idaho and now based in the DC area, Janessa enjoys exploring the DMV with her dog and spending time with her 14 amazing nieces and nephews.
Director, Meetings & Exhibitions
Necoya Tyson, CCEP, CEM-AP, CGMP
Necoyais the Founder and CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions and a recognized leader in conference, trade show, and event management. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has planned and executed meetings, exhibitions, and educational programs for associations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations across the country. Her expertise spans event strategy, trade show operations, sponsorship fulfillment, and attendee engagement.
A graduate of Shaw University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Necoya is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences. Throughout her career, she has supported major industry events, including the NSBE Annual Convention, ALS NEXUS, and ASIS Global Security Exchange (GSX).
An active speaker, educator, and mentor, Necoya is passionate about professional development helping organizations create meaningful opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.
Director, Certification & Training
Jeffrey H. Greenwald, P.E., CAE
Jeff is an association executive and registered Professional Engineer with extensive experience leading certification, education, research, and professional development programs for national trade and professional associations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with organizations including the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, the North American Steel Sheet Piling Association, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, and the National Concrete Masonry Association.
Jeff holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Delaware and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine. He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management, and an active member of several professional societies. He has authored numerous technical and industry publications and received the ASTM Alan H. Yorkdale Memorial Award in both 2004 and 2005.
National Director of Advertising
Carol Nettles
National Advertising Director
Carol has over 20 years advertising sales experience with a background in selling print & digital ads across various industries. Carol takes great pride in her work at developing winning ad campaigns that meet client’s sales and marketing objectives. In addition to her primary job functions as Advertising Sales Manager, she has been recognized by colleagues for her commitment to customer service. Carol has a degree in marketing from Kennesaw State University. In her free time, she enjoys working with local animal rescue groups and volunteers at an equestrian therapy center helping special needs children through horses. Carol is based out of Atlanta, GA and can be reached separately from the main AWT number at (404) 347-1755.
