New members represent franchisors and franchisees, diverse industries, will help lead the franchising sector’s only global trade association

(WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2022) – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced the election of ten new franchise professionals to serve on its Board of Directors. The new directors represent both franchisees and franchisors from a variety of industries and roles across the business model, adding a wealth of experience to the recently expanded IFA Board. The new directors will take their positions today, Feb. 1, 2022.

“The 2022 class of IFA Board members will bring new and diverse perspectives at a pivotal time for our members,” said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. “Companies and their franchisees in the restaurant, hospitality, retail and service sectors increasingly rely upon IFA to protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model, which is the foundation of their business. The IFA Board plays an integral role in the success of our organization and serves as a voice for the franchising community. We welcome this new group and the unique contributions they bring to the table.”

“The 10 franchise professionals joining the IFA Board of Directors today represent the diversity and success of the franchise business model, and are exactly the leaders our industry needs,” said Charlie Chase, incoming Chair of the IFA Board of Directors and President and CEO of FirstService Brands, Inc. “IFA’s volunteer leaders play a critical role in carrying out IFA’s mission, and I am confident this new group represents our industry’s next generation of leaders.”

The IFA Board of Directors voted to expand the size of the Board in 2020 to ensure diversity of industry, thought and background among its most senior volunteer leadership team. The 2022 IFA Board of Directors will be comprised of franchisee, franchisor, and supplier members who provide critical guidance to the IFA on the Association’s key initiatives. 

This year’s new IFA Board members are:


FRANCHISEES:

Clint Ehlers, Owner, FASTSIGNS of Willow Grove, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ

Gary Robins, President, The G & C Robins Company

Jyoti Sarolia, President and CEO, Ellis Hospitality Group

FRANCHISORS:

Ray Bennett, President, Franchising North America, Marriott International

Michael Browning, Jr., Founder and CEO, Unleashed Brands

Steve Danon, Vice President, Head of U.S. Government Relations & Community Affairs, Restaurant Brands International

Ericka Garza, Global President, Au Bon Pain

Harvey Homsey, Vice President of Franchise Systems, Express Services, Inc.

Kevin Morris, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

Stephen Piacentini, VP, Global Restaurant Development and Recruiting, The Wendy’s Company

 

The directors’ full bios are available here.

The new directors will assume their positions today, February 1, 2022, and will serve an initial term of three years.

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