Gabby Wong was appointed to help lead the world’s oldest and largest franchise association, bringing experience in franchising, technology, growth, and operational leadership.
WASHINGTON — October 24, 2024 — The International Franchise Association announced that Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect, had been appointed to its Board of Directors. Wong joined fifteen other new directors scheduled to begin their terms at the 2025 IFA Annual Convention.
“IFA’s volunteer leadership is integral in driving the association and our mission forward at a pivotal time for franchising,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “Gabby’s expertise and experience in franchising will help take the association to new levels so we can further support our members and the opportunities they create in local communities.”
Wong brought nearly 30 years of experience helping private-equity-backed software and SaaS businesses grow, with leadership experience across M&A, corporate strategy, product innovation, customer success, marketing, and sales.
She joined FranConnect in 2016 as EVP of Operations and later became CEO. During the period highlighted in the announcement, FranConnect expanded through organic growth and acquisitions and increased its global reach across franchise and multi-location brands.
“I am honored to join the IFA Board of Directors,” said Wong. “For over two decades, FranConnect has been committed to helping brands achieve operational excellence, growth and success. I am thrilled to work alongside such a distinguished group of franchise leaders as we continue to address the industry’s most significant opportunities and challenges.”
The 2025 IFA Board included franchisor, franchisee, and supplier members across a range of industries and backgrounds. The new directors were scheduled to begin initial three-year terms in February 2025.
“Serving on the IFA Board is one of the greatest ways to contribute to the future of franchising,” said Steve Hockett, Chair of the IFA Board of Directors and CEO of Great Clips.
About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association represents franchising through government relations, public policy, media relations, education, and industry programs serving franchisors, franchisees, and supplier companies.
About FranConnect
FranConnect is an AI-powered franchise management platform that has supported franchise and multi-location organizations for more than 25 years. Nearly 1,500 brands use FranConnect across franchise development, openings, operations, training, quality, analytics, royalties and AI-assisted workflows.
