IRF Welcomes Two New Trustees

(Washington, DC, October 16, 2025) The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 IRF Board of Trustees. 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.

Joining the IRF Board of Trustees are:  

• Rachel McInnis, Vice President, Solution Strategy, Maritz
• Jordan Sanford, Vice President, Sales Strategy, Prestige | Global Meeting Source

“We are so pleased to welcome Rachel and Jordan to the IRF Board of Trustees, said Chris Johnson, incoming Chair of the 2026 IRF Board of Trustees. “They have already contributed to the mission and vision of the IRF through committee work, research review, and participating in webinars and live education panels. We’re excited to have their expertise and enthusiasm on the IRF Board of Trustees.”

The following individuals are continuing their terms on the IRF Board of Trustees:

• Nicky Baumohl, President & CEO, Evolutionary Events
• Jeremy Bielski, Vice President of Sales, ITA Group, Inc
• Min Choi, Treasurer, 2026 IRF Board of Trustees
• Morgan Crain, Leader of Rewards and Recognition, Rubrik
• 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
• Chris Johnson, Director – Global Travel, Enterprise Events, and Sports Partnerships, Land O’Lakes
• Patricia Kerr, AVP, Meeting & Event Management, Nationwide
• Kelsey Nicol, Vice President, Strategic Accounts, One10
• Jennifer O’Mara, Account Director, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
• Amy Rippelmeyer, Global Luxury Account Executive, Marriott International Luxury Brands

Johnson continued, “I’d like to thank outgoing trustees Susan Adams and Lynn Randall for their service, insight, and dedication to advancing our organization as well as the incentives industry. I’d also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bich-Lien Kaldahl for her many years of dedicated service to the organization. As both a board member and airline advisor, Bich-Lien brought thoughtful leadership and deep industry insight that helped shape the IRF’s mission and impact. We thank her for her invaluable contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

The 2026 IRF Board term begins January 1, 2026. 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.