FIU Appoints New Director for Kovens Center

MIAMI, Fla. (March 13, 2001) -- Christian Falk Pastner has been named director of the Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center at Florida International University-Biscayne Bay.

In his new position, Pastner will work on making the Kovens Conference Center a major asset of the FIU community, serving both the university and the public as a site for conferences, workshops and FIU events.

"My goal is to offer the business community a high-tech facility with a hospitality atmosphere," said Pastner. "If we can offer these qualities then the Kovens Center will be a unique place."

Pastner was previously acting director of the Kovens Center. Since joining the staff of the Kovens Center in 1998, Pastner has worked in every aspect of the Center's operation. His extensive experience in the area of hospitality management will enable him to offer services at the Kovens Center that the business community might not find in a hotel.

Pastner holds a bachelor's degree from FIU's School of Hospitality Management. He lives in Aventura.

FIU has two major campuses in Miami-Dade County - University Park and Biscayne Bay. Overall, the university serves more than 32,000 students.

Media contacts: Todd Martinez-Padilla Simmons (305) 348-2716 or 2232 David Umansky (202) 357-2627, ext. 106.