IFA announces 2027 board of directors

The International Franchise Association (IFA) has introduced its new board of directors.

A total of 16 franchise leaders, including franchisors, franchisees, and supplier members of the IFA, have been elected to the board. The new board members will beig their terms at the association’s annual convention set for Feb. 22-24, 2027, in Las Vegas.

“These franchise executives bring invaluable experience to the IFA Board of Directors, as they see firsthand how franchising helps build thriving brands and supports local business ownership,” said Matt Haller, IFA president and CEO. “I am grateful for their commitment to IFA’s mission to strengthen the franchise model as the IFA continues to grow and increase our membership value.”

IFA membership includes franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

The association works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to support about 832,000 franchise establishments.

According to the IFA, its latest board of directors includes representation across industries and business lines, reflecting the franchise business model’s diversity and the breadth of IFA’s membership.

“This accomplished group has shown their dedication to strengthening franchising as a whole, and their valuable experience will provide unique perspectives to the IFA Board of Directors after years of pivotal growth for the association,” said Sam Ballas, chair of the IFA Board of Directors and CEO and co-founder of East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy’s Sliders. “With expertise across industries and roles, their leadership will help IFA continue its work to advance the franchise model and expand business ownership opportunities worldwide.”

2027 IFA Board Members include:

Franchisee Board Members:

• Nadeem Bajwa – Co-Founder & CEO, Bajco Group

• Ben Johnson – Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, KBP Brands

• Lauren Johnson – President, Quadcoast LLC

• Steve Wazny – Principal, Wazny Management Group

Franchisor Board Members:

• Kerry Bundy – Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Great Clips

• Kim Gubera – President & CEO, PIRTEK USA, LLC

• Richie Huffman – CEO, Celebree School

• Heather McLeod – Chief Marketing Officer, BNI

• David Mesa – President, Ballard Brands

• Heather Nykolaychuk – President, Budget Blinds

• Carrie Walsh – CEO, Hand and Stone

• Craig Wright – Chief Executive Officer, Aqua-Tots Swim School

• Stuart Youngs – Group Vice President, Legal, Franchise Services, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Supplier Board Members:

• Brad Fishman – CEO, Fishman Public Relations, Inc.

• Patrick Galleher – Chairman & Managing Partner, Boxwood Partners

• Ron Gardner – Partner, Dady & Gardner, P.A.

The new directors will serve an initial three-year term beginning in February 2027.

In addition to the new directors, IFA announces the succession of its 2027 officers who will help lead this esteemed group of franchise business owners and executives.

The 2027 IFA officers include:

• Chair: Gary Robins, President, The G & C Robins Company (Franchisee of Supercuts and Waxing the City)

• Vice Chair: Dave Mortensen, Co-Founder, Anytime Fitness; Board Member, Purpose Brands

• Second Vice Chair: Emma Dickison, CEO & President and Board Member, Home Helpers Home Care

• Immediate Past Chair: Sam Ballas, CEO & Co-Founder, East Coast Wings + Grill and Sammy’s Sliders