2008 IFA Committees and Forums
Committee signup sheet (opens in new window)Awards Committee
Chair: Steve Siegel
Vice Chair: Steve Lynn
Staff Liaison: Terry Hill
Mission Statement:
To promote a positive image of franchising by recognizing and publicizing individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to franchising and the free enterprise system.
Board of Directors
Chair: Steve Greenbaum
1st Vice Chair: Dina Dwyer-Owens
Staff Liaison: Matthew Shay
Mission Statement:
To provide governance and policy development for IFA. Consists of 39 members, including the Chair and 1st Vice Chair of the Franchisee Forum, and the Chairs of the Franchisor and Supplier Forums. Terms are three years and members may succeed themselves for one additional three-year term. Eligibility requires service on committees. Nominating committee presents a slate of candidates that the Board considers and elects.
Convention Committee
Chair: Dina Dwyer-Owens
Vice Chair: Ken Walker
Staff Liaison: Debbie Moss
Mission Statement:
To provide direction and suggestions for the general sessions and educational programming at the IFA Annual Convention. Assist in the development of a marketing plan; identification of prospects for sponsorship and exhibits.
Corporate Counsel
Chair: Ted Pearce
Vice Chair: Rich Kolman
Staff Liaison: David French
Mission Statement:
To advise the IFA board of directors, other standing committees of IFA, and IFA staff on legal issues with implications for franchising. The corporate counsel committee is composed of in-house counsel of IFA members.
Diversity Institute
Chair: Eric McCarthey
Vice Chairs: Norm Jenkins and Stan Friedman
Staff Liaison: Miriam Brewer
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Diversity Institute is to promote and foster diversity and inclusion within the franchising community. The Institute will serve as the home for IFA and the Foundation’s diversity and minority programs – education, research, scholarships, and liaisons with other national organizations. The Institute will provide information to assist IFA members in expanding their diversity recruitment and multi-cultural marketing efforts at all levels – franchisees, employees, suppliers, and consumers.
Educational Foundation
Chair: Ken Walker
Vice Chair: Jack Earle
Staff Liaison: John Reynolds
Mission Statement:
Increasing the knowledge and professional standards of all members of the franchising community… Educating the next generation of franchising practitioners… Increasing recognition of franchising's key role in the free enterprise system… Providing comprehensive information and research about important developments and trends in franchising… The IFA Educational Foundation, founded in 1983, is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization. The Foundation is supported through the generous contributions of IFA members and others. All contributions are tax deductible.
Executive Committee
Chair: Steve Greenbaum
1st Vice Chair: Dina Dwyer-Owens
Staff Liaison: Matthew Shay
Mission Statement:
To act on behalf of the Board when Board is not in session. Consists of officers, namely the Chair, 1st Vice Chair, 2nd Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, two past IFA Chairs, plus the Chairs of the Franchisee, Franchisor, and Supplier Forums. Nominating committee recommends the slate elected by IFA Board.
Finance, Audit and Budget
Chair: Russ Frith
Vice Chair: Peter Cohen
Staff Liaison: Debbie Moss
Mission Statement:
To operate a financially sound and stable organization; to ensure cost efficient operations with fiscally sound budgets; and to provide a safe, secure working environment.
Franchise Relations
Chair: Barbara Moran
Vice Chairs: Barry Miller and Keith Miller
Staff Liaison: Troy Flanagan
Mission Statement:
To assist IFA members by developing information and programs that promote positive relations and encourage dialogue and cooperation between franchisees and franchisors.
Franchisee Forum
Chair: John Francis
Vice Chair: Barry Miller
Staff Liaison: John Reynolds
Mission Statement:
To encourage meaningful dialogue between franchisees and franchisors and to be instrumental in addressing and resolving concerns of mutual interest.
Franchisor Forum
Chair: Steve Joyce
Vice Chair: Mike Roman
Staff Liaison: Scott Lehr
Mission Statement:
To provide an opportunity for franchisor members of the IFA to discuss matters of interest primarily to franchisors. Membership limited to franchisors.
FranPAC Advisory Board
Chair: Dina Dwyer-Owens
Vice Chair: Ken Walker
Staff Liaison: Victoria Adams
International Committee
Chair: Ned Lyerly
Vice Chair: Lee Vala
Staff Liaison: Carlos Poza
Mission Statement:
The Global Marketing Committee is responsible for directing the activities of the IFA International Development Department in its role to assist franchise companies to develop and expand their international operations. The department achieves this mission by providing technical assistance and information, along with organizing and supporting franchise trade missions and U.S. pavilions at selected franchise exhibitions outside the United States.
ICFE Board of Governors
Chair: Melanie Bergeron
Vice Chair: Geoff Hill
Staff Liaison: John Reynolds
Mission Statement:
To enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education.
Information Technology Committee
Chair: Brian Spindel
Vice Chair: Jerrod Sessler
Staff Liaison: Jason Yusko
Mission Statement:
To provide guidance to the IFA and its membership on the adoption and use of technology.
Legislative Action Group
Chair: Bo Bryant
Vice Chair: Mary Schell
Staff Liaison: David French
Legal/Legislative
Chair: Kerry Olson
Vice Chair: TBD
Staff Liaison: David French
Mission Statement:
To advise IFA with regard to identification, prioritization, and position on legislative, regulatory, and legal issues affecting franchising. The Committee shall provide a forum for maintaining a high level of awareness of these issues among the Association’s membership. In addition, the Committee will provide a means by which the maximum resources available can be brought to bear on these legislative, regulatory, and legal issues identified as a priority for the Association.
Marketing & Public Relations
Chair: Nikki Sells
Vice Chair: Scott Frith
Staff Liaison: Terry Hill
Mission Statement:
To proactively inform centers of influence worldwide about the benefits of franchising and to develop and market programs and services that meet the needs of all IFA members.
Membership
Chair: Lane Fisher
Vice Chair: Nancy Bigley
Staff Liaison: Scott Lehr
Mission Statement:
To build a cohesive membership foundation to strengthen IFA for its franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers.
Minorities in Franchising
Chair: Stan Friedman
Vice Chair: Reginald Heard
Staff Liaison: Miriam Brewer
Mission Statement:
To increase the number and success of minorities in franchising including franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and employees, and the development of franchising opportunities in other emerging markets.
Nominating
Chair: Mike Isakson
Vice Chair: Steve Greenbaum
Staff Liaison: Matthew Shay
Past Chairmens Council
Chair: Steve Siegel
Vice Chair: Russ Frith
Staff Liaison: Matthew Shay
Supplier Forum
Chair: Andrew Perrin
Vice Chair: Kay Ainsley
Staff Liaison: Scott Lehr
Mission Statement:
To promote the continued growth of franchising through a network of informed suppliers dedicated to superior service and professionalism, and to better support members of the franchising community with high quality products, new technologies, and educational opportunities. (Open only to Supplier Forum members)
Women’s Franchise Committee
Chair: Susan Black-Beth
Vice Chair: Kerry Olson
Staff Liaison: Anne Poodiack
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Women's Franchise Committee is to promote women's participation in franchising by providing international networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences.
Click Here to learn more about Women in Franchising.
