The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) has announced that its current president, Melissa Van Dyke, is leaving on August 2, 2019, and the search to find her replacement is now underway.

“It is with both excitement and sadness that we launch this search for the next iteration of IRF leadership,” said Mike May, current chairman of the IRF Trustees and president of Brightspot Incentives & Events. “The IRF is in an unprecedentedly strong position, coming off its most successful invitational ever, maintaining a strong research engine, and enjoying a deep bench of tenured trustees and staff.”

The search committee is looking for an inspirational leader with deep experience in the incentives, rewards, meetings or hospitality industry. Candidates should possess strategic, operational, and fundraising experience and have extensive knowledge of methods to develop, conduct and communicate cutting-edge research. The successful candidate should also be able to establish a strong standing in the incentives industry and influence broad industry support of the IRF’s mission.

“I have loved every minute of my decade with the IRF,” said Van Dyke. “Based on the people, financials and operations currently in place, I have no doubt the IRF will continue to be a fantastic value-add to both the incentives industry and business as a whole over the next decade to come.”

“We are moving forward with talented staff, a strong board and strong financials,” said Kari Vrba, incoming 2020 chair and senior vice-president, Business Development, MotivAction. “While we will miss Melissa, we have successfully obtained all Vision 2020 goals, and this is an excellent opportunity for new leadership to help craft the organization’s Vision 2025.”

A full job description and information on how to apply for the IRF president position can be viewed at http://theirf.org/am-site/media/irf-president-job-description.pdf.