2013 IFA Committees and Forums
Committee signup sheet (opens in new window) Board of Directors
Chair: Steve Romaniello
Vice Chair: Steve Joyce
Staff Liaison: Steve Caldeira
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
Chair: Steve Joyce
Vice Chair: Melanie Bergeron
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.
Diversity Institute
Chair: Joe Bourdow
Vice Chairs: Carlton Curtis and Earsa Jackson
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: Jerry Crawford
1st Vice Chair: Melanie Bergeron
2nd Vice Chair: Aziz Hashim
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 Romaniello
Vice Chair: Steve Joyce
Staff Liaison: Steve Caldeira
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
Chair: Melanie Bergeron
Staff Liaison: Bill Grubb
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
Staff Liaison: Dean Heyl
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: Saunda Kitchen
Vice Chair: Jeff Tews
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: John Kujawa
Vice Chair: Catherine Monson
Staff Liaison: Jay Perron
Mission Statement:
To provide an opportunity for franchisor members of the IFA to discuss matters of interest primarily to franchisors. Membership limited to franchisors.
International Committee
Chair: Mike Isakson
Vice Chair: Bill Edwards
Staff Liaison: Scott Lehr
Mission Statement:
The International 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: Cynthia Gartman
Vice Chair: Rosemarie Harnett
Staff Liaison: John Reynolds
Mission Statement:
To enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education.
Legislative Action Group
Chair: Bo Bryant
Vice Chair: Mary Schell
Staff Liaison: Judith Thorman/Jay Perron
Legislative Action Group
Chair: Bo Bryant
Vice Chair: Mary Schell
Staff Liaison: Judith Thorman/Jay Perron
Legal/Legislative
Chair: Mark Forseth
Vice Chair: Les Wharton
Staff Liaison: Judith Thorman/Jay Perron
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 & Technology
Chair: Ken Colburn
Vice Chair: Todd Leiser
Staff Liaison: Alisa Harrison
Mission Statement:
To help educate IFA members on best practices in the use of marketing and technology and to leverage digital platforms and other marketing tools to promote franchising and the IFA to internal and external audiences.
Membership
Chair: Lane Fisher
Vice Chair: Rocco Fiorentino
Staff Liaison: Scott Lehr
Mission Statement:
To build a cohesive membership foundation to strengthen IFA for its franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers.
Supplier Forum
Chair: Michael Joblove
1st Vice Chair: Mark Kirsch
Staff Liaison: Paul Rocchio
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)
VetFran Committee
Chair: Joe Lindenmayer
Vice Chair: Jon Rucker
Staff Liaison: Josh Merin
Mission Statement:
Serves to advance the goals of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, i.e., to increase the acquisition of franchises, via a financial incentive, among honorably discharged U.S. veterans. The Committee was founded in February 2007 following four-plus years of activity as a task force.
Women's Franchise
Chair: Mary Ann O'Connell
Vice Chair: Debbie Shwetz
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.