Joan Buckley Scholarship and the Leo Brown Scholarship.

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Dear AAFEPA Members,

I’m excited as we get ready to gather for the 33rd Annual AAFEPA Conference, November 4–7, 2025, at the beautiful Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, Alabama. This year’s event promises to be inspiring, practical, and memorable—offering powerful opportunities to connect, learn, and grow as we work together to advance our mission of supporting federal programs and educational excellence across Alabama.

We are honored to welcome an outstanding slate of speakers and presenters. Tiffany Kesslar from Bruman will share timely legal and compliance updates, while Keith Cummins from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General will provide critical federal oversight guidance. Two keynote speakers I know will motivate and inspire us as leaders include Doc Rock Watkins, author of No Bad Days, and Tom “Trots” Trotter, former Top Gun commander, who will close our conference with an unforgettable message on Friday. In addition, we’ll hear key updates from our state leaders to ensure we are aligned and prepared for the work ahead.

A special thank you goes to the LEAs who have graciously agreed to present during our two pre-conference sessions on Tuesday. Your willingness to share your expertise and experiences helps strengthen the collective knowledge and capacity of our AAFEPA community.

With the uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown and anticipated federal guidance, this conference comes at a critical time. Together, we’ll examine the latest developments, share strategies, and strengthen our collective ability to adapt and lead with confidence.

Your AAFEPA Board is here to support you every step of the way, and we are committed to ensuring this year’s conference exceeds your expectations. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I look forward to seeing you in Florence this November for an unforgettable 33rd Annual AAFEPA Conference!

I look forward to seeing you in Florence!

Jennifer Williams