International Franchise Association Appoints Matthew Haller As New President And CEO
Washington, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) announced today that Matthew Haller has been appointed new President and CEO of the association. Formerly Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, Haller has been an instrumental member of the IFA senior leadership team for over a decade.
As CEO, Haller will work with the IFA Board, the Foundation and lead the IFA staff to move forward together to tackle one of the most important times in the franchising industry’s history. In addition, Haller will enhance IFA member value by focusing and committing to providing the franchising industry with the tools necessary to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and more focused than ever before.
“Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of working with Matt on a weekly basis, along with the senior leadership team developing strategic priorities,” said Catherine Monson, President & CEO of Propelled Brands and IFA Chair. “I have been impressed with his command of the association business, how he has driven a thought process to engage key stakeholders inside and outside the membership and kept command focused on hitting milestones, all while continuing to achieve results in the advocacy arena.”
During his tenure leading IFA’s advocacy program, Haller expanded the association's lobbying, coalition building, grassroots, research and communications capabilities and took on some of the most difficult challenges, including defending the business model against the joint employer threat and significant legislative and regulatory issues at the federal, state and local levels.
“I am extremely proud of the work we have achieved to elevate the franchise business model and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for our members,” said Matt Haller. “As we enter a new chapter for the IFA, I vow to continue building upon our strides and break down barriers for opportunity, enhancing our member engagement and value with a 360-degree approach, leveraging the IFA Foundation’s programs to tell the story of franchising in meaningful and impactful ways, and maintaining our powerful advocacy presence in Washington, state capitols and city halls.”
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Celebrating 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.