Incentive Research Foundation Elects 2026 Officers

(Washington, DC, January 5, 2026) The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased is pleased to announce the 2026 IRF Executive Committee. Representing a cross section of the incentives, rewards, and recognition industry, the IRF Board of Trustees leads the foundation in meeting its mission of conducting research and providing education highlighting the power of incentive and motivational programs.

“The 2026 IRF Board of Trustees brings an exceptional mix of experience, perspective, and purpose,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF President. “Under Chris Johnson’s leadership as 2026 Chair, the Board will sharpen our focus on delivering practical research and education that help organizations use incentives, rewards, and recognition to drive performance. I’m inspired by this team’s dedication and confident in what we will accomplish together.”

Members of the 2026 IRF Executive Committee are:

• Chair: Chris Johnson, Director – Global Travel, Enterprise Events, and Sports Partnerships, Land O’Lakes
• Chair-Elect: Kelsey Nicol, Vice President, Strategic Accounts, One10
• Treasurer & Secretary: Min Choi, Marketing & Sales Executive
• Immediate Past Chair: Morgan Crain, Leader of Global Rewards and Recognition, Rubrik

The 2026 IRF Board of Trustees are:

• Nicky Baumohl, President & CEO, Evolutionary Events
• Jeremy Bielski, Vice President of Sales, ITA Group, Inc
• Clarence Day, Director, Global Sales, Rosewood Hotel Group 
• Karen Devine, CEO & Founder, 3D Cruise Partners
• Joe Fijol, Founder and Principal, Ethos Event Collective
• Rudy Garza, President & CEO, Brightspot Incentives & Events 
• David Gould, Managing Director, Europe, 360 Insights
• Rutger Hoorn, Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Ovation Global DMC
• Patricia Kerr, AVP, Meeting & Event Management, Nationwide
• Rachel McInnis, Vice President, Solution Strategy, Maritz
• Jennifer O’Mara, Account Director, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
• Amy Rippelmeyer, Global Luxury Account Executive, Marriott International Luxury Brands
• Jordan Sanford, Executive Vice President, Business Solutions, Prestige | Global Meeting Source

The 2026 IRF Board of Directors will have their first meeting February 2 – 4 at the Omni Boston at the Seaport in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information on the IRF Board of Trustees, visit the IRF website.

The Incentive Research Foundation (TheIRF.org) funds and promotes research to advance the science and enhance the awareness and appropriate application of motivation and incentives in business and industry globally. The goal is to increase the understanding, effective use, and resultant benefits of incentives to businesses that currently use incentives, as well as businesses interested in improved performance.