“If you want to achieve some really big and interesting goals, you have to learn to fall in love with hard work.” –Steve Pavlina, personal-development blogger, book author, and motivational speaker

Falling in love with hard work isn’t hard to do at IHAF—and boy, have we accomplished much in the past decade! So it is with mixed emotions that I leave my position as executive director of IHAF, concluding my nine-year affair with an organization I love. 

I joined IHAF in 2006, when it was a just the kernel of an idea. Who knew back then that we would become the pre-eminent professional association for in-house agencies? Looking back, it is the tremendous growth of IHAF contrasted by the continued closeness of our community that is perhaps most striking.

The Community
In the fall of 2005, IHAF started with 20 members in the Greater Boston area. Today, IHAF boasts 250+ member companies around the globe. And regardless of size or scope, the commitment our members have to sharing insights and supporting one another has never wavered—making IHAF unlike most associations of its kind. It has been a privilege to be a part of the genuine community that has formed and been fostered by all of you over the years.

The Recognition
Ten years ago, few people were familiar with the term “in-house agency”—even those working in house! Today, in-house agencies are not only part of the vernacular, they are firmly positioned within the marketing landscape. At IHAF, we’ve gone from hearing “what’s an in-house agency?” to hearing applause for In-House Agency of the Year, to celebrating creative excellence among in-house teams at the IHAF Awards to gaining recognition for our research and insights from leading influencers like the Association of National Advertisers and Harvard Business School.

The Future
While the close of 2015 marks the end of my tenure with IHAF, it marks the start of a new chapter for the IHAF team and for all of you. As the in-house movement continues to grow, IHAF is committed to growing along with it by advocating for your teams and supporting your efforts. I look forward to seeing the community advance even further in the years to come.

Thank you for everything you have given me over the past nine years. I wish you the best both professionally and personally. Happy New Year—here’s to another decade of mutual success!