Our Team

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Ben Leinster
Ben Leinster
CEO & President
Ben acquired AFF | group in 2018 and currently serves a CEO. Ben oversees strategic decision making and direction of the company. Prior to AFF, Ben practiced law for over a decade and subsequently served as Chief Financial Officer of a local manufacturing company. Ben is a native of Greenville, SC and has a passion for building relationships throughout the community. When not at work, Ben loves going on adventures with his wife and three sons. Ben also is a licensed pilot and loves anything related to Clemson.
Anita Easler
Anita Easler
Transportation & Administration
Anita has been with AFF | group for 10 years, throughout she has had several jobs but her current role is Director of Transportation. She strategizes and manages transportation operations and ensures our products are delivered to our partners in a way that is consistent with our values. Originally from New Jersey, Anita moved to South Carolina in the early 2000s. She has a degree from The University of South Carolina (GO GAMECOCKS!). When Anita is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, trying new restaurants and traveling!
Chris Collins
Chris Collins
Senior Director of Business & Plant Operations
Chris, the Senior Director of Operations, oversees Business and Plant Operations and has been with AFF | group for over 4 years. Chris graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2003 where he was also a varsity member of the wrestling team. He received his Masters in Management from Harvard in 2023. with certificates in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Outside of work, Chris is heavily involved in the community and serves as the chair for Wrestlers in Business Network and board member for the SC National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, and can be commonly found chauffeuring his kids around to competitive cheerleading and soccer events.
Deric Nutter
Deric Nutter
Senior Director of Business Development
Deric has been with the AFF | group for 8 years. In his current role, Senior Director of Business Development, he manages the Partner Success and Research & Development departments. Deric has a passion for helping others realize and reach their potential and gauges his success on his impact on others. When Deric is not working, he is attending his daughter's cheer or dance competitions. He also loves spending time with his wife of 20 years or attending hockey games.
Cory Childers
Cory Childers
Safety & Quality
Cory has been with AFF | group for 7 years. Previously Director of Manufacturing, he is now the Director of Quality Assurance & Safety. In his current role, Cory manages the safety of the workplace and is continuing to improve products, processes and quality standards. Cory has a degree in Industrial Distribution from East Carolina University. Go Pirates! ARRRGH! Cory spends most of his weekends with his wife of 15 years supporting their two children, Lily and Logan, at soccer and cheerleading events. In the rare occasion he is not busy with the kid's, Cory enjoys camping and hiking with family or visiting breweries with friends.
Ryan Cassella
Ryan Cassella
Senior Director of Supply Chain
Ryan, the Director of Supply Chain at AFF | group and oversees procurement, movement, transportation and shipping. He has been with AFF | group for 6 years. Ryan graduated from Clemson University in 2004 where he was apart of the Swimming and Diving Team. In Ryan's time outside of work he is a member of the Greenville Masters Swim Team and enjoys a round of golf. Ryan is a proud dad of two boys that are active academically and athletically.
Mike Conlee
Mike Conlee
Manufacturing
Mike, the AFF | group Director of Manufacturing, is the newest Leadership Team member. He joined AFF | group at the end 2022 to lead the maintenance and production teams to run efficiently and to assist with product manufacturing. Previously Mike had been working in the manufacturing of wood, plastics, rubber, automotive goods and food. Mike enjoys outdoor activities including boating with his family when the weather is great.

Interested in Joining Our Team

See what positions we have open and apply to be apart of the AFF | group team.