Sheila Fischer, CFE, joins as Senior Vice President of Sales. Joining IFA at a time of strong growth and innovative program development, the IFA has seen significant revenue diversification and growth in the last year, Fischer will oversee sales across the organization including developing a comprehensive strategy to serve new and existing customers. In this new role, Fischer will maximize IFA’s full value proposition across event sponsorships, exhibitors, digital products, publications, advertising, sponsored content, and education, develop sales strategies across membership programs and the IFA Foundation, and identify new products and opportunities.

“Sheila Fischer is a proven leader with unique franchising expertise and a lifetime of experience as a top producer in sales, sponsorship, and management,” said IFA Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Brandeen. “As a strong collaborator who instills a sales culture focused on strategic growth, relationship management, and accountability, Sheila will be an incredible addition to the IFA team.”

For IFA, Fischer will be responsible for developing a comprehensive sales strategy to identify new prospects inside and outside the IFA membership, for franchisors, suppliers, and enterprise customers, as well as cultivate growth within the existing membership. She will also be responsible for further expanding the IFA Preferred Vendor Network and developing new products and packaging to engage the franchising community. 

Prior to IFA, Fischer served as President and CEO of the franchise division for MFV Exposition/Comexposium where she led all aspects of new business development, product strategy, and relationship management in the franchising sector. An award-winning sales leader, Fischer previously served in a variety of roles at the global franchise exposition leader including as the groups senior vice president, group show director, and sales manager.

“With a lifetime of professional experience in franchising and many lifetime friends made a long the way, it is an honor to join IFA during a time of explosive growth within the industry and at the Association,” said Fischer. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to build on my relationships to grow IFA value and revenue, and further the IFA mission to protect, enhance and promote franchising.”