Message From IFA Chair and Vice Chair Regarding Robert Cresanti's Departure

Dear IFA Member,

We want to thank Robert Cresanti for his 6 plus years of service at the IFA. Robert informed us a few weeks ago of his plans to look for other opportunities when his contract as CEO expires on March 31. We appreciate him giving us advance notice, allowing for a smooth transition. Robert is a wonderful man, a friend to each of us, and will be missed.

Robert joined the IFA in April of 2014 in the role of Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs. He was promoted to CEO of the IFA in September 2015. Under Robert’s direction, IFA has marked key legislative and regulatory victories from tax reform to labor law challenges. As CEO, he more than doubled our reserves while growing revenue each year and significantly lowered the overall expenses of the association. Robert changed an organizationally challenged association into a modern, financially responsible, and technologically current business. He leaves an extraordinarily talented and strong leadership team at the helm. We will miss his passion, integrity, humanity, and energy.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic ongoing, we decided at this time not to hire a replacement CEO and to act as an “office of the CEO” and utilize the salary savings for other positions. While membership revenues are somewhat affected by the pandemic, not being able to hold an in-person convention in February 2021 has a bigger short-term financial impact on the association. However, the IFA is financially sound with reserves in excess of $11.5 million, far surpassing our board-approved target of $8 million and above the 50% of operating expenses “best practice” in association management. We do, however, want to be judicious in the use of our reserves for operating expenses.

We have a strong senior management team at the IFA who will continue to do the outstanding work they have been doing for our association members. Matt Haller, the IFA’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, has been with the IFA since October 2010, and will continue to lead his team on our efforts to protect the franchise business model. Jennifer Brandeen, the IFA’s Chief Revenue Officer, marks her one year anniversary with the association, will continue to lead our education, meetings, membership, marketing and advertising teams. In her first year, Jennifer has made a significant positive impact on the IFA. Rikki Amos, the IFA Foundation’s Executive Director, joined the IFA Foundation in April 2018, and she will continue to lead our Foundation’s efforts. Mike Williams, our Chief Financial Officer, has been with the IFA for 5 years, and will continue to handle his financial and HR duties. We have an excellent team.

We will hire a replacement CEO in time. We will be assessing the CEO role and plan to initiate a search in fiscal year 2021 and expect a new CEO in place in fiscal year 2022. Until then, we will be providing strategic direction to the IFA’s senior management team.

We are holding two video calls for IFA members to answer any questions you have and invite you to register for the call that works for you below:

Tuesday, December 1 at 5:00 pm ET

Wednesday, December 2 at 5:00 pm ET

Best regards,

Catherine Monson
Chair of the IFA
CEO, FASTSIGNS International

Charlie Chase
Vice Chair of the IFA
CEO, FirstService Brands