Sanford

Michelle Sanford, senior director of contract and vendor management at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in Milwaukee, died April 19 "after a hard-fought battle with cancer," according to an AEM statement. She was 52.

Sanford started as a secretary in 1994 in the exhibitions department and quickly became "an integral leader of the AEM exhibitions and operations team," the statement said. She oversaw operations for numerous trade shows, including CONEXPO-CON/AGG, The Utility Expo, AG Connect and World of Asphalt. She traveled internationally to support exhibitions in China, India, Russia and other countries.

"For more than 20 years, Michelle was a bright asset to the AEM team, and her infectious laugh and smile are profoundly missed," AEM President Dennis Slater said. "A large part of AEM's success in producing some of the largest trade shows in the world (is) due to Michelle's tremendous management skills and leadership. We all have a heavy heart as we move forward without Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."

AEM staff will honor Sanford once they return to the office in the fall, according to the statement.

Sanford enjoyed time with her family and volunteered at various organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, for which she was a direct volunteer and a board member, the statement said.

She is survived by her husband, mother, brother, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends, according to her obituary.