IFA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President, Revenue Growth and Operations, International Franchise Association
Alan Catlett serves as the Vice President for Growth and Operations overseeing revenue generation and execution. Prior to joining the IFA in June 2021, Alan held a range of senior positions at international franchisors Sylvan Learning and Wall Street English, as well as with Prometric, a leading testing and certification service provider.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Political Affairs
Job Titles:
- Creative and Innovative Strategist
- VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Manager, Certification Programs, International Franchise Association
Brittney Cosby serves as Manager, Certification Programs at the International Franchise Association where she is responsible for managing the Certified Franchise Executive program and supporting the design and development of new and existing programs for members and stakeholders within the franchising community.
Prior to joining IFA, Brittney served in a program management role at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards where she managed several certification programs designed for U.S. architects and foreign architects. In addition to supporting certification candidates and emerging professionals, Brittney led education-related committee groups composed of practicing architects, public members, and executives from U.S. licensing boards in developing and improving alternative pathways to certification for practicing architects.
Brittney was born and raised in Richmond, VA but relocated to the Washington metropolitan area after earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Howard University.
Job Titles:
- Advertising Senior Director for the International Franchise Association
- Senior Director, Advertising, International Franchise Association
Carly Wooley is a Advertising Senior Director for the International Franchise Association. She is responsible for selling advertising in the media products of the IFA.
Before coming on board with the IFA in May 2008, Carly was an account executive for WLTZ-TV, an NBC affiliate television station. She was responsible for ad sales in this position also.
Carly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Auburn University. She currently resides in the Auburn, Alabama area with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Development and Programs at the International Franchise Association Foundation
- Manager, Development & Programs, IFA Foundation
Casey Cornish is the Manager of Development and Programs at the International Franchise Association Foundation. She is responsible for managing fundraising activities for the IFA Foundation and coordinating amongst its various programs.
Casey joined the IFA in February 2019. Previously, she was the Public Affairs Associate at the Public Affairs Council where she spent nearly 4 years involved in managing projects and programs for the Public Affairs Practice Team and fundraising for the association's 501(c)(3) affiliate Foundation. Her various roles included database and event coordination, managing the Council's certification programs and handling strategic research projects for the Foundation for Public Affairs. Casey graduated in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Policy. You may contact Casey by email at cmensinger@franchise.org or by phone at (202) 774-2067.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Board Operations, International Franchise Association
Catherine Bartley serves as the Director of Board Operations for the International Franchise Association. In this newly created role, she serves as the primary point of contact for the Association's Board of Directors and works closely with the IFA senior leadership team to ensure the Board is strategically aligned with the mission as well as the daily operations of the IFA.
Prior to joining the IFA, Catherine spent eight years on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch serving in combined policy and operations roles. Most recently, Catherine served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Labor to both Secretary Eugene Scalia and Acting Secretary Patrick Pizzella. As Deputy Chief of Staff, Catherine led the announcements of major Departmental initiatives and programs on behalf of the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary; advised the Department's leadership on matters ranging from budget management to workforce development; and managed the day-to-day operations of the Secretary's office.
From 2013 to 2018, Catherine worked in the office of Chairman Phil Roe (TN-01), serving as Director of Operations and Legislative Assistant. She supported a wide-ranging legislative portfolio covering issues such as retirement, pensions, natural resources, and energy. Catherine also supported the Chairman's work on the Joint Select Committee on the Solvency of Multiemployer Pensions.
Catherine received her bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Immediate past Chair
Catherine Monson brings 30 years of franchising and management experience to her leadership role that spans multiple brands. Catherine has been the CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, since January 2009. In 2021, Catherine oversaw and announced the formation of Propelled Brands, the corporate umbrella that now includes FASTSIGNS®; SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand; NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020; and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza acquired in June 2021. Salon Management Franchising, LLC is a leading concept in the salon suite industry bringing together a collection of independent beauty professionals in one luxurious location.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Assistant
- Accounting Assistant, International Franchise Association
Chalisa Prajanay is the Accounting Assistant at the International Franchise Association. Her responsibilities include assisting the Staff Accounting, and her team with Cash receipts, account receivable and credit card reconciliation.
Prior to joining the IFA, Chalisa was a Payroll Specialist at EHLEI accounting CPA. She received her Business Accounting from Kasetsart University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman President & CEO
- President and CEO of First
Charlie Chase is the president and CEO of FirstService Brands, Inc. and California Closets, Inc. Throughout his 30 years with FirstService Brands, he has held numerous roles starting as a franchise owner in 1982 at College Pro Pa inters. Believing that ther e was an opportunity to create a successful and significant full-time painting company, he became the founding president/CEO of CertaPro Painters in 1992. Prior to his role as CEO, Chase served as the president of the Consumer Franchises of The Franchise Company and prior to that he was CEO of CertaPro Painters. Chase is a member of the IFA FranPAC Advisory Committee and Membership Committee. He earned a bachelor's degree with honors in economics from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice Chair
David Humphrey has served franchising in many roles. He is currently CEO of a major franchisee group within the Planet Fitness gym chain, operating 108 of the 2000+ Planet Fitness gyms. His franchise operates in six U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. David also serves as Chairman of Massage Heights Franchising, a 120-unit family-owned upscale spa franchisor, and he serves on the Board of Handel's Ice Cream, a fast-growing franchisor of 60+ ice cream shops. As CEO of Massage Envy Spa from 2008-2011, he led the world's largest spa franchisor, which doubled in size to over 670 locations and 1 million members during his tenure. He has consulted with several franchise brands and worked with Private Equity firms in acquiring and managing franchise systems. He has been a member of IFA's Board of Directors since 2018, serving on several committees and taskforces, and is a Past Chair of IFA's International Committee. David has lived and worked in Latin America and Europe, and is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Diversity Programs, International Franchise Association
David Smith comes to IFA with over 10 years of experience working at several national trade associations as an advocate for diverse communities. Most recently, David worked as the Programs & Initiatives Manager for the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), the trade association for diverse-owned private equity firms and hedge funds. There, he managed several programs which helped NAIC member firms gain access to institutional investors and he also facilitated research projects to educate the marketplace about diversity in finance. Prior to NAIC, David worked at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), where he worked with nonprofit organizations and banking institutions to leverage the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) to help direct capital investment into low-moderate income communities. David also worked as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce (UBSC), the nation's largest network of Black-owned businesses. David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and earned his Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman, Supplier Forum Advisory Board President, FRANdata
- President of FRANdata
Edith Wiseman serves as President of FRANdata, a leading advisory and research firm that focuses on the franchise industry. As a more than 15 year veteran of FRANdata, Wiseman plays a pivotal leadership role in the strategic growth of the company's performance advisory, strategic marketing and franchise financing solutions-- a culmination of her work with hundreds of franchisors, Fortune 500 companies, and industry experts. She strongly believes that FRANdata's unique insight, braintrust, and best-in-class analytics raises the bar for strategic planning and performance analysis within the franchising industry.
Highlighted in Franchise Times magazine as a rising star in franchising, Wiseman has long been a key figure in understanding and promoting business model excellence and franchise finance best practices. Wiseman sits on the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Supplier Forum Board as well as the Franchise Education & Research Foundation Board. She remains a strong advocate for emerging brands through her work with the Emerging Franchisor Conference Committee, and the Emerging Franchisor Task Force. Wiseman is also an active member of the America West Lenders Conference Committee.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Veterans Programs
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association
- VP, Political Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy
Erica Farage is Vice President of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association. Erica is responsible for elevating FRANPac, IFA's political action committee which supports pro-business, pro-franchising candidates at the federal level as well as the association's grassroots advocacy program, which creates relationships and serves as a bridge between IFA's membership and elected officials on issues of importance to the franchise small business community.
Prior to joining IFA in January of 2012 Erica was a Senior Director at The Herald Group, a public affairs firm representing a variety of clients including trade associations, corporations and coalitions supporting pro-business initiatives in Washington. Previously, she held several positions with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Political Affairs division where she managed various aspects of the Chamber's $20 million voter education, issue advocacy, get-out-the-vote and fundraising campaigns.
Erica received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from The University of Richmond and a master's degree from the George Washington Graduate School of Political Management. She resides in Washington, D.C. You can contact Erica at efarage@franchise.org or 202-662-0760.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman & CEO of BNI
- Chairman, Franchisor Forum CEO, BNI
Graham Weihmiller is Chairman & CEO of BNI, a position he has held since 2014. Graham is extremely passionate about BNI's unique ability to foster job creation, economic growth, and lifelong relationships through collaboration amongst purpose-driven business leaders. As CEO, he is focused on building the BNI of the future and dedicated to making the BNI membership experience the best that it can be. His goal is to ensure BNI Members across BNI's 70 operating countries achieve their dreams.
Graham also serves as a Director of the BNI Foundation, which helps underprivileged children access life changing educational opportunities throughout the world. Prior to joining BNI, Graham was the CEO of Griswold Home Care - a 35-year-old franchisor of homecare services company with over 250 locations across the United States. Previously, Graham led Pioneer Equity Partners and American Franchise Company and also worked with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.
Graham received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his BBA from the College of William & Mary. He has done subsequent executive education with Harvard Business School in India. He is a Certified Franchise Executive™ and a Six Sigma Blackbelt. He is active with the International Franchise Association and speaks frequently on entrepreneurship, franchising, and operational excellence. He has participated in seminars and panels at Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, and Georgetown University. He also mentors several US based growth-oriented companies on strategy and operations.
Originally from Virginia, Graham lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a three-time Ironman triathlete, a marathoner, and has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. He and his wife, Sarah - a pediatric emergency room doctor - are active members of their church, enjoy movie time with their three children, playing with their two German Shepherds, weekend trips to the Carolina mountains, and traveling together throughout the world.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Government Relations & Public Policy, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer, International Franchise Association
Prior to joining the IFA in September 2021, Heather was a web and graphic designer at Threshold Media and the owner/creative director of Heather Bartlow Designs. In addition to her design experience, Heather has worked with multiple DC area historic house museums in marketing, fundraising, event planning, non-profit administration, communications, and development.
Heather received her MA in Arts Management and Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Marketing in the Arts from George Mason University, BA in Art History from SUNY New Paltz and Web Design and Development Certificate from Cornell University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Conferences & Meetings
Job Titles:
- Vice President, State & Local Government Relations & Counsel, International Franchise Association
- Vice President, State & Local Government Relations & Public Policy
Jeff Hanscom, Vice President, State & Local Government Relations & Public Policy, leads the association's advocacy efforts at the state and local level across the country representing the franchise community in state houses and before city councils. Jeff develops public policy initiatives, builds coalitions in support of franchising, and serves as the association's liaison to all outside state and local groups. Jeff also works on in-house legal issues. With a decade of public policy experience at the state and local level, Jeff provides expertise on advocacy strategies, policy expertise across a variety of labor issues and consensus and coalition building on behalf of the franchise business model.
Jeff previously worked for the Direct Selling Association as a state and federal lobbyist. Prior to joining the Direct Selling Association, Jeff served as the Director, Financial Services and Insurance Division at State Net, a division of LexisNexis. Jeff received a degree in political science from Penn State University and his Juris Doctorate from Penn State, Dickinson School of Law. He is a member of the Virginia Bar. Jeff resides in Arlington, Virginia with his wife Karen, their two children and their dog.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Membership Engagement, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator, Advertising & Sales, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- LMS Product Manager, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Sponsorships
- Senior Director, Sponsorships & Exhibits, International Franchise Association
Lynette James is Senior Director of Sponsorships and Exhibits for the International Franchise Association. She is responsible for sponsorships for all IFA programs including renewal, solicitation, confirmation and implementation; and exhibits held in conjunction with the Annual Convention, including the development of the floor plan, selection and assignment of space, liaison with exhibitors and vendors and preparation of the Exhibitor Directory section of the Convention Program Book. Lynette also is responsible for updating and maintaining sponsorship and exhibit information found under the Events tab of the www.franchise.org.
Prior to joining IFA in November 2006, Lynette was an outside sales account executive with Grainger Industrial Supply, the Los Angeles Business Journal, Black Enterprise Magazine and Clear Channel Communications.
Lynette received a bachelor of arts degree in Communications from Howard University. She resides in Washington, DC with her husband, Steve, and their two sons, Steven and Logan. You can contact Lynette at ljames@franchise.org or at 202-662-0782.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Government Relations & Strategic Planning, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator, Digital Marketing
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Second Vice Chair
- Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
Matthew Haller is President & CEO for the International Franchise Association.
Matt has been a key member of the IFA team for 10 years, building extensive relationships with all three segments of the IFA membership: franchisors, franchisees & suppliers. During that time, he has held a number of roles including Communications Director, Vice President of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff to the CEO and Senior Vice President, Public Affairs. In 2017, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs: the leadership role he has held until today.
During his tenure leading IFA's advocacy strategy, Matt expanded the association's lobbying, coalition building, grassroots, research and communications capabilities and took on some of our more difficult challenges, including defending the business model against the joint employer threat and significant legislative and regulatory issues at the federal, state & local levels. During the pandemic, he led the team's focus on helping the franchise business model survive, ensuring the Paycheck Protection Program and other relief efforts included eligibility for franchise businesses, while working with the internal team to innovate how to provide IFA members real value for their membership in the association.
Prior to joining IFA in October 2010, Matthew was director of industry relations at the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, where he developed PCMA's member and affiliate initiatives surrounding key industry issues. Previously, he served as manager of political affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he managed the Chamber's $20 million budget for political and issue advocacy campaigns during the 2004 and 2006 election cycles. Matthew has also held positions as legislative assistant for UPS Corporate Public Affairs and as a director of public affairs at Levick Strategic Communications, LLC.
Matthew received a bachelors degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He resides in Washington, D.C.
You can contact Matthew at mhaller@franchise.org or 202-662-0770 and follow him on Twitter @Franchising411.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director for the Coalition to Save Local Businesses
- Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs, International Franchise Association
- Vice President, Federal Government Relations for the International Franchise Association
Michael Layman is Vice President, Federal Government Relations for the International Franchise Association. He develops public policy initiatives and builds coalitions in support of franchising, and monitors federal agencies and Congress to identify threats to, and opportunities for, the franchise industry. Layman has delivered speeches around the country on public policy issues, and has been interviewed by numerous national publications.
Layman also serves as the Executive Director for the Coalition to Save Local Businesses (CSLB). Layman will serve as the day-to-day liaison between CSLB members and Congress, who are concerned about the impact of an expanded joint employment standard on local businesses.
Prior to joining the IFA in January 2015, Layman was a senior manager with Littler Mendelson's Workplace Policy Institute. Layman promoted Littler clients' interests and shareholders' policy work in Washington. From 2007 to 2013, he worked at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as Manager of Employment and Labor Policy, where he led multiple national coalitions on employment and labor policy.
From 2001 to 2007, Layman served on Capitol Hill, where he was Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania and Professional Staff Member on the House Government Reform Committee staff under committee chair, U.S. Representative Tom Davis of Virginia.
Layman earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Christine, and three daughters. You can contact Michael by phone at (202) 662-4177 or by email at mlayman@franchise.org.
Job Titles:
- CFO, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Manager of Operations, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Political Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Development & Member Services, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, IFA Foundation
Job Titles:
- Director, Technology and Operations, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Director, Membership Recruitment & Retention, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner
- Secretary
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator, Member Services, International Franchise Association
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman, Franchisee Forum National Envy Development LLC ( Massage Envy )
The International Franchise Association (IFA) awarded Mary the Bonny Levine Award, IFA's highest award for women who have made an impact on franchising and the Crystal Compass award for extraordinary leadership in franchising. A certified franchise executive, Mary serves as a trustee for the IFA's Educational Foundation.
Mary graduated from the University of Texas in 1984 with a bachelor's degree. In 2002, she completed the mini MBA program in franchise management from the University of St. Thomas College of Business.