After more than four decades in franchising and decades of leadership within the industry, Catherine Monson is stepping into a new role: Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees.

Monson, also a past Chair of the International Franchise Association Board of Directors, brings deep industry experience and a long-standing commitment to strengthening the franchise business model. Her chairmanship comes at a time when the Foundation is expanding its efforts to grow awareness of franchising, support entrepreneurship, and tell the story of franchising’s impact on local communities.

Speaking during the 2026 IFA Annual Convention, Monson reflected on her long history in franchising — and her enthusiasm for the future.

Monson’s energy and passion for the franchise business model were clear as she spoke about the role of the association and the work ahead. At the center of that work, she emphasized, is the mission shared across the organization.

“The role of the IFA is to protect, enhance, and promote franchising,” Monson said. “The IFA staff is obsessing about how to protect, enhance, and promote franchising. The board of directors of the IFA obsesses on how we protect, enhance, and promote franchising.”

One of the key tools for achieving that mission, she explained, is the IFA Foundation.

The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and supports research, education, and programs that expand opportunities in franchising. Through donations and partnerships, it funds initiatives that raise awareness about franchising and help make business ownership more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.

A major component of the Foundation’s work is research that demonstrates the economic and community impact of franchising. Monson highlighted the recent Value of Franchising report, conducted by Oxford Economics, that surveyed thousands of franchisees across the country.

“What we know from that research is franchisees provide more training to their employees than their independent counterparts,” Monson said. “Franchisees pay higher wages, and their employees have more opportunities for career advancement.”

Those findings are not only strong statistics that show the stability and the benefits of franchising to new and aspiring entrepreneurs, but also provide powerful evidence when communicating with policymakers and advocating for franchising in Washington, D.C. and around the states.

Beyond research, the Foundation also supports programs designed to expand access to franchise ownership.

Among the initiatives highlighted by Monson were the Franchise Ascension Initiative, VetFran, and the Diversity Institute.

“These programs are opening the doors for more entrepreneurs,” Monson said, noting that VetFran alone has helped veterans save more than $7.8 million in initial franchise fees while connecting them with franchise education and opportunities with franchise brands around the nation. The newest addition to the Foundation’s work is the Franchise Means Local campaign announced in 2025 to highlight local ownership in franchising and the direct impact that local franchise businesses have in the communities they serve across the country.

“What do we know from our research?” Monson said. “Franchisees give money back to their local communities. They invest in charities. They hold fundraisers. Franchising is local—and we need to tell that story.”

For Monson, expanding awareness of franchising and creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs is central to the Foundation’s mission.

Under her leadership, the Foundation plans to continue strengthening its programs, expanding outreach, and deepening partnerships across the franchise community.

In 2025, the Foundation sharpened its mission and strengthened its initiatives, focusing on purpose-driven growth and expanding programs that support education, research, and opportunity. Those efforts will continue as the organization builds on its momentum in the coming years.

Monson also took time during her remarks to recognize donors whose support has helped power the Foundation’s work. Contributions — large and small — make it possible to fund research, scholarships, and training programs that expand opportunities within franchising.

While some donors have made transformational gifts, Monson emphasized that every contribution matters.

“We also have lots of people that give $50 a year to the IFA Foundation,” she said. “And they get a tax deduction for it.”

With Monson serving as the Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, the Foundation is poised to continue growing its reach and impact.

Her message to the industry was simple: supporting the Foundation is another way to strengthen franchising for the future.

“So as you consider your charitable giving,” she said, “think about protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising.”

For Monson — after 45 years in the industry — that mission remains as important as ever.

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