Sarah Ciccone joined the University Events team as an Event Manager in December 2016. She has been with James Madison University since 2012, starting in the Center for Global Engagement (formerly the Office of International Programs) as an Administrative Assistant before being promoted to Coordinator. In her role as Coordinator for Study Abroad, Sarah organized the annual Summit Series conference, managed the Cross-Cultural Program that hosted international students during the summer, and supported international visiting scholars.

In June 2019, Sarah was promoted to Associate Director and, in June 2023, advanced to Director. Prior to her work at JMU, she spent over five years as the Life Enrichment Coordinator at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, where she planned activities and events for supportive living residents, including those with dementia. Her activities included outings, recitals, and socials.

At University Events, Sarah leads commencement exercises, oversees departmental operations, and organizes high-profile presidential events. She also manages the department's budget, daily operations, groundbreakings, dedication ceremonies, and the Presidential Suite during home football games. Additionally, she supports events for the Board of Visitors, Faculty and Staff Service Recognitions, senior class events, the Commencement Expo, and other student and presidential functions.

While working full-time, Sarah began part-time studies in the Adult Degree Program at JMU and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies, concentrating in Business Management and Human Resource Management, in May 2020. She plans to pursue a master’s degree at JMU.

Sarah has served on the JMU Campus-Wide Accessibility Committee from 2020 to 2024 and has participated in numerous Request for Proposal and search committees through Procurement. She was the Advisor for the student group CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, + Actions To Recreate Girls) during the 2021-2022 academic year and currently serves as the Regional Director for the North American Association for Commencement Officers (NAACO).

In her free time, Sarah enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, and gardening, as well as cooking, baking, and crafting. She loves spending time with her two daughters, husband, family, and friends. Fall is her favorite season, as she enjoys the cooler weather and fun activities with her children.

Jeff Campbell joined the University Events team as Associate Director in September 2024. He has been with James Madison University (JMU) since 2008, holding various positions. His career at JMU began in Athletics, where he coordinated Game Operations events and game day logistics. He later transitioned to JMU Libraries, serving as Head of Library and Information Services, overseeing front-line services and operations for the campus’s library facilities and events.

Beyond JMU, Jeff has worked with several Parks and Recreation departments in Virginia, as well as with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. His roles included coordinating youth sports activities, community outreach, and organizing events like the annual Cocktails & Cleats fundraiser, supporting community growth and programming.

In his current role with University Events, Jeff manages key events such as commencement, departmental operations, and high-profile presidential functions. He also supports the Presidential Suite during home football games, Board of Visitors meetings, Faculty and Staff Service Recognitions, senior class events, Commencement Expo, student events, and other presidential engagements.

A proud triple Duke, Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management and a master’s in Sport Leadership from JMU. His service to the university includes membership on the JMU Alcohol Council, advising UREC Sports Clubs, volunteering for JMU’s CHOICES Day, and participating in numerous university search committees.

In his free time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, twin sons, and friends. He is an avid sports fan and player, often found on JMU’s intramural fields.

Amethyst Carter grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and holds an associate’s degree in education from Blue Ridge Community College. She has experience as a co-head teacher at a private school in Harrisonburg, where she led K-8 science classes and coordinated after-school activities, including school trips, class parties, summer camps, and special events.

During her time at the school, she was frequently asked by coworkers and event guests to help plan their personal events, which led to the creation of her business, A La Carter Events. For two years, she balanced teaching with planning a variety of events, including baby showers, corporate functions, private parties, and weddings.

Every summer, Amethyst contributed to the production and promotion of the Vacation Bible School at Mt. Olive Brethren Church in McGaheysville, VA, which served hundreds of children. Her responsibilities included design, decoration, scheduling, staffing, and managing the showcase finale.

In 2019, she became a nanny for a family with eight children, taking on tasks such as organizing schedules, meal preparation, transportation, and assisting with homework. Her role also included traveling both domestically and internationally with the family, which comprised six boys and two girls.

Now, as the Event and Office Manager, Amethyst is excited about this new chapter in her career and looks forward to growing as part of the University Events team.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new Pinterest crafts and recipes with her nieces, singing karaoke, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

Laine Cafferty (’25)

Laine Cafferty is studying hospitality management with a general business minor. She is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She joined the University Events team during her sophomore year and hopes to pursue event planning after graduating from JMU in 2025. She is a student ambassador for the Hart School of Hospitality and Sports and Rec Management. On campus she represents the Club Management Association of America and also is on the executive board of SafeRides.

Conrad Dillman (’25)

Conrad joined the University Events team his sophomore year. He is a Finance major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Conrad is a part of the Professional Business Fraternity Phi Chi Theta and American Marketing Association. He plans to graduate in May of 2025, hoping to get a job in real estate investing upon graduation. He is very excited to join the University Events team as an intern, and is eager to learn about daily operations within the office.

Abby Fornadel (’25)

Abby joined the University Events Team as an intern during her Freshman year. She grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and is an Internation Affairs Major with a Minor in Spanish. She plans to graduate in 2025 and hopes to become an International Affair Analyst. During her time at JMU, she has become involved in the Peace Corps Prep Program, Relay for Life, and was a part of the Executive Board for the JMU Alumni Association Student Committee. She was also a research assistant working with the implementation of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Abby has a love for event planning and looks forward to being part of an amazing team and helping to coordinate events at JMU. 

We welcome your phone calls and emails regarding event planning or past and present events.

To submit an RSVP or for general questions, please call 540-568-RSVP (7787)
or email University Events.