1851

<p style="box-sizing: border-box;  max- 100%; color: #7a7a7a;   24px; background-color: #ffffff;">The International Franchise Association announced Wednesday that after five years as president and CEO, Steve Caldeira has resigned. </p><div>The IFA says attempts by the parties to reach agreement on a new CEO contract failed.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><p style="box-sizing: border-box;  max- 100%; color: #7a7a7a;   24px; background-color: #ffffff;">Robert Cresanti, the IFA executive vice president of government relations and public policy, has been named interim chief operating officer. The board of directors has formed a search committee find a new president and CEO.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;  max- 100%; color: #7a7a7a;   24px; background-color: #ffffff;">&#8220;IFA and the franchising community recognize Steve&#8217;s strong contributions as our chief advocate and media spokesman over the past five-and-a-half years,"&nbsp;said Melanie Bergeron, IFA chair and chairwoman of <a href="http://www.twomenandatruckfranchising.com/home?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ifa-president-and-ceo-steps-down-2497" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="brand-highlight">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*</span></a>. "Under Steve&#8217;s tenure, IFA&#8217;s revenue has grown by over 70 percent, its political action committee has nearly doubled to $1.3 million and the association is now widely recognized as a go-to leader on small business issues in the national and inside-the-beltway media, &#8206;on Capitol Hill, at the state and local levels and within key federal agencies.&nbsp;Steve gives everything he does 110 percent and we are very grateful for his passion, dedication and wisdom as we have been navigating through the most challenging legislative and regulatory environment in our industry&#8217;s history.&#8221;</p><div>Bergeron tells 1851 that she's certain the CEO search will yield impressive candidates and she remains confident about the future of the organization.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span style="  background-color: #ffffff;">"IFA has benefited from strong and effective CEOs in the past, all of whom have contributed greatly to our success, and I&#8217;m confident that that tradition will continue in our next CEO as franchise businesses continue to grow and support the U.S. and global economies," she said.&nbsp;</span></div><div>&nbsp;</div><p style="box-sizing: border-box;  max- 100%; color: #7a7a7a;   24px; background-color: #ffffff;">In a statement, Caldeira cited his achievements and the talented staff members who make up the IFA.&nbsp;</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;  max- 100%; color: #7a7a7a;   24px; background-color: #ffffff;">&#8220;I am very proud of our accomplishments during my tenure to protect, promote and enhance the franchise business model,&#8221; said Caldeira. &#8220;It has been a real honor and privilege to represent franchising, which is the true essence of entrepreneurship in America. While I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with so many respected business leaders and the extremely talented staff at the IFA, the time has come for me to move on.&#8221;</p>

Robert Cresanti | IFA President and CEO Steps Down | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

The franchise organization says Steve Caldeira is leaving after attempts to reach agreement on a new contract failed. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

IFA President and CEO Steps Down        

ifa-president-and-ceo-steps-down

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Photo of a large group of people standing in a circle, placing hands together in center

Franchise Opportunities for Minorities: Expanding the Franchise Network

franchise-opportunities-for-minorities

Missy Maio - Gong Cha - Top Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Missy Maio — Vice President of Marketing and Global Partnerships, Gong Cha

franchise-marketing-leader-missy-maio-gong-cha

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

IFA President and CEO Steps Down

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS