IABC Executive Search Comes to a Close; Julie Freeman, APR, Named President

Communication World, June, 2001

IABC has selected Julie Freeman, APR, as incoming president effective July 1. "She brings more than six years of association management experience, clear analytical thinking, a keen process for gathering information and a strong, successful financial background," says Charles Pizzo, chairman of the executive board.

As the executive director and previously the director of education and conventions for the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA), Freeman successfully turned around the 4,000-member association, leading it from a difficult time to sound financial health. She implemented financial strategies to avoid bankruptcy, restructured staff and operations, and improved PPFA's image through sound management and responsiveness to members.

Pizzo adds that he is delighted to welcome Freeman aboard and is confident that she is the person IABC needs to get back on track. "She has a very clear picture of where our organization should go. This will be the beginning of a clean slate for IABC."

Before joining PPFA, she was the communication manager for six years at Dalkon Shield Claimants Trust, where she designed and implemented strategy to communicate complex medical and legal information to 200,000 claimants in 105 countries. She has held the positions of executive director at Howard County (Maryland) Chamber of Commerce and community relations director at the Children's Bureau of Indianapolis, Ind.

Freeman will be replacing interim President Louis C. Williams Jr., ABC, APR, who has been at IABC headquarters since January 2001. Both Freeman and Williams will be attending IABC's international conference in New York City, June 24-27, 2001.

Freeman holds a B.S. in communication from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an MBA from the College of William and Mary. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America.