Eight Franchisors and Franchisees from Diverse Sectors Will Take New Positions in February
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced eight new franchise professionals to serve on its Board of Directors. The newly-elected directors represent both franchisees and franchisors from diverse industries and roles across the business model. The new directors will take their positions at IFA’s Annual Convention in February 2023.
IFA President and CEO Matt Haller stresses the importance of the new group. “These new directors will bring a wealth of experience to the IFA Board, at a time critical for franchising,” he said. “The IFA Board is integral in guiding the organization in our mission to protect, enhance, and promote franchising – representing some of the best in franchising and working to continually move the organization and the entire franchising sector forward. They each bring unique contributions and perspectives, and we look forward to the leadership they will provide to the Association in the years ahead.”
Charlie Chase, Chair of the IFA Board of Directors and President and CEO of FirstService Brands, Inc. and California Closets welcomed the new group enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to welcome the eight franchise professionals joining the IFA Board of Directors and look forward to all they will bring to the table,” Chase said in a release. “This group will help move both IFA and the franchising sector well into the future, and we appreciate their dedication to the business model and all the people it serves.”
In 2020, the IFA Board of Directors voted to expand the size of the Board to ensure diversity of industry, thought, and background among its most senior volunteer leadership team. The 2023 IFA Board of Directors will comprise franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers who provide critical guidance to the IFA on the association’s key initiatives.
The new 2023 IFA Board members are:
Franchisees
- Rob Branca, President, Branded Management Group, Inc.
- Azim Saju, President & CEO, HDG Hotels
- Omar Simmons, Managing Director, Exaltare Capital Partners
Franchisors
- Shane Evans, Co-Founder, Massage Heights Franchising
- Karen Finberg, Chief Franchise Officer, Marriott International
- Tom Krouse, CEO, Donatos Pizzeria LLC
- Christina Russell, CEO, Radiance Holdings
- Michael Seid, Chief Concept Officer, CFW Clinics and One Family Health
The directors’ full bios are available here.
The new directors will assume their positions in February 2023 and will serve an initial term of three years.