Board of Directors - International Coaching Federation
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ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors

The ICF Professional Coaches Global Board of Directors is a body of elected members who govern the affairs of the organization, which is a membership association for trained, professional coach practitioners. Its purpose is to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession through its members and chapters worldwide. The Board of Directors is comprised of no more than nine members who have been nominated based on competencies of exceptional boards. Each director serves a two-year term, with a maximum of two terms. 

There will be three open positions for the 2025 ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors starting in January 2025.

Applications for the 2025 ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors will open July 8 through August 9. 

Tonya Echols, PCC, CPA, CDE, Chair of the ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors 

“I’m Tonya Echols, Chair of the ICF Professional Coaches Global Board of Directors. As professional coaches, we understand the incredible impact coaching has on the world both individually and collectively. As the coaching industry continues to expand rapidly, we all have the opportunity and responsibility to support that growth in a way that allows us to connect with even more individuals, organizations, and communities in support of achieving their goals. If you are committed and passionate about being an active participant in influencing the future of coaching, I invite you to apply to serve on the Professional Coaches Global Board. This role allows you to collaborate with coaches around the globe to represent and serve the interests of the members, chapters, and expansion of the industry as we look to a bold new future that includes such topics as Artificial Intelligence, technology platforms, advances in coaching education and credentialing, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, continued growth in new global markets, and the ongoing work of raising awareness in every possible corner of the world about the power of coaching.

Nomination and Election Process

Completed applications are reviewed by the ICF Professional Coaches Nominating Committee (the members of which can be viewed below) to narrow the field of applicants based on criteria for Board membership, competencies required for the  Board of Directors, and diversity and representation. The committee  invites selected applicants to participate in a virtual interview. Once candidates are selected for the ballot, all applicants are notified of their status and an election is held. The results of the election are announced by November 30 each year.

Key Dates 

August 9 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EDT (New York) – Deadline to submit application for consideration 

September 2024, – Shortlisted candidates will be asked to a virtual interview 

October 2024, – Candidates notified of their application status 

November 2024, – Election held. Results will be announced by November 30, 2024 

  • 2024 Nominating Committee

    Jose Morales, PCC, MBA (USA)
    Chair 

    Karina Cuello, PCC (Netherlands)
    Vice Chair 

    Sarah Obeid, PCC, SP, EQi-2.0, EQi 360, HRBP, CP (Saudi Arabia)

    Julie Cohen, PCC (USA)

    Suchitra Rajendra, PCC (India)

    Dr. Tazmin Alibhai, PCC, PsyD (Kenya)

    Susan McGuire, PCC (Canada)

    Gita Sharma, PCC, PhD, CMPID (UAE)

    Kelly Stixrud, PCC (USA)

  • 2024 ICF Professional Coaches Global Board of Directors

    Officers

    Tonya Echols, PCC, CDE (USA)
    Chair and Global Board Representative 

    Manbir Kaur, MCC (India)
    Vice Chair

    James “Jim” Wetrich, PCC (USA)
    Secretary / Treasurer

    Jihane Labib, ACTC, MCC (UAE/Morocoo)
    Director of Member Representatives 

    Directors

    Graziela Cajado-Ogland, PCC. MBA (United Kingdom)

    Kevin Kan, PCC (Singapore)

    Jass Malaney, PCC (Singapore)

    Jurgita Miscallef, PCC (Spain)

    Sophia Toh, PCC (USA)

    Ex-Officio

    Dumisani Magadlela, PCC, PhD (South Africa)
    Global Board Chair

    Magdalena Nowicka Mook (USA)
    CEO, ICF

    Steve Weiss (USA)
    Vice President, ICF Professional Coaches

FAQs and Requirements

  • Why Serve on the Board of Directors

    As ICF continues to evolve into a large, complex global organization, we require governance with an expanded set of knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal attributes to continue leading the organization and the profession of coaching into the future. ICF Professional Coaches is a membership association for trained, professional coach practitioners. Its purpose is to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession through its members and chapters worldwide. 

    The ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors is a body of elected members who govern the affairs of the organization. The Board of Directors is responsible for strategic development, policy creation, fiscal and management oversight of the organization. The Board of Directors represent, serve and advocate for more than 40,000 ICF-credentialed coach members worldwide. It is up to the Board of Directors to clearly define its expectations, goals and measures of success based on information and input from ICF staff. 

    Watch the video below to hear from ICF Professional Coaches Board Members on why you should apply for a position on the 2023 Board of Directors. Or, watch on ICF’s Vimeo.

  • Who We're Looking For

    Ideal candidates will have experience leading at the executive level of complex multi-national organizations, have previous board experience (private, public or not-for-profit), and a deep understanding of the ICF ecosystem as well as emerging trends in the coaching profession. A typical work cadence might require up to 10 hours weekly dedicated to project work, meeting attendance, professional networking and advocacy. 

    For additional information please see our bylaws.

  • Eligibility Requirements

    ICF Members in good standing who hold an ACC, PCC or MCC Credential may apply for an open seat on the ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors.

    Please review the following requirements for eligibility to serve on this Board of Directors:

    Criteria

    • Current active ICF membership in good standing for at least one year 
    • ICF Credential (ACC, PCC or MCC)
    • ICF Committee service at the international level and/or demonstrated leadership at the local level (Officer, Board or Chair) preferred
    • Familiarity with ICF’s complex structure, current strategic plan, global initiatives and role in the global coaching industry  
    • Consummate coaching professional who reflects the spirit, training, credentials and integrity of the coaching profession 

    Commitments

    • Attend at least two (2) Board meetings in person (subject to our transition into the post-COVID era) 
    • Attend and prepare for regular Board tele-meetings (two or four hours each, pre-scheduled) 
    • Flexibility and willingness to attend urgent or impromptu Board conference calls 
    • Be prepared and willing to lead the Board and/or a committee and/or a task force 
    • Attend part or all of a number of ICF-branded events 
    • Participate in meetings/events in an ambassadorial capacity 
    • Follow, participate, and contribute actively to online Board discussions in a timely manner 
    • Time commitment for officers can be up to 10 hours weekly. 

    Experience

    • Senior level leadership experience in large, multinational organizations (for-profit and/or nonprofit) 
    • Global business experience in operations and/or positions of influence 
    • Experience working with professional services firms or third-party vendors 
    • Experience leading volunteers within ICF, similar association or global organization. 

    Competencies

    The following competencies are universal priorities across all ICF family organization Boards. They are also considered necessary for successful service on the ICFPC Board and are therefore among the most important factors reviewed during the application and interview process:

    • Governance: Ability to lead and enhance board performance and effectiveness.
    • Global Mindset: Ability to adopt the broadest possible view when attending to issues while accounting for different backgrounds and experiences.
    • Collaboration: Ability to build rapport, deploy diplomacy and effective negotiation skills with various segments of stakeholders.
    • Systemic Thinking: Ability to operate at a systemic level with an organization-wide lens.
    • Change Agility: Ability to adapt, reconfigure and redistribute efforts and resources in a timely manner in response to change.
  • Board Chair Eligibility and Expectations

    The Chair of the ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors is the chief elected officer of the organization and shall serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. The Chair shall also serve as an ex-officio member of all committees. The Chair shall address the membership at proper times to communicate matters and suggestions that may promote the welfare and increase the usefulness of ICF. The Chair shall perform other necessary duties, including duties prescribed by the Board of Directors.

    The Chair shall possess the following qualifications in addition to those outlined for the Board of Directors (above), as well as any additional competencies as identified and approved by the ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors.

    Criteria

    • Member in good standing of the ICF upon nomination and election and during the entirety of their term of office 
    • Granted an ACC, PCC or MCC Credential and maintain Credential during the entirety of the term of office 
    • Be in a position to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors 
    • A current member of the ICF Professional Coaches Board of Directors or have served as such in the last two years 
    • Understands the considerable time commitment necessary for this position which can be in excess of 10 hours a week. 

    Roles and Responsibilities

    • Leads and facilitates all Board meetings in a professional and collaborative manner 
    • Serves as ex-officio member of all committees 
    • Partners with ICFPC Vice President and CEO to ensure Board resolutions are carried out 
    • Calls special meetings when necessary 
    • Consults with the ICFPC Vice President and/or CEO on the appointment of committee, task force and core team members 
    • Prepares agenda for Board meetings 
    • Assists the ICFPC Vice President and/or CEO in conducting new Board member orientation 
    • Serves as spokesperson for the Board and the ICFPC organization 
    • Periodically consults with Board members on their roles and helps them assess their performance 

    Experience

    • Prior Board leadership experience 
    • Demonstrated excellence in executing ICFPC (or similar organization) strategic priorities 
    • Demonstrated experience inspiring executive collaboration 

    Competencies

    • Executive capability with all forms of communication including public speaking and presentations 
    • A demonstrated commitment to the purpose of the organization 

Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

The ICF encourages people from diverse backgrounds, institutions, and experiences to apply. The ICF does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

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