ICF Past Presidents

Giovanna D'Alessio, MCC 
Italy
Year of Presidency: 2010
Coaching specialty: I partner with organizations to support them transform their culture.
Year joined ICF: 2001
Why I joined: I joined the ICF to feel a part of and contribute to the evolution of the coaching profession.

Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors (and position): After founding the Italian Chapter in 2002 and being Chair of the 2003 European Coaching Conference in Stresa, Italy, I joined the Board in 2005 as Director At-Large. I covered the positions of Vice President (2006), Treasurer (2008), President-elect (2009), President (2010), and Past President (2011).

Greatest Accomplishments as President-elect: Thanks to the profound alignment and mentoring of Karen Tweedie, I felt enabled to continue to "water" the plants she seeded, in particular the Mentor Coaching program for new Chapter Leaders, and to focus on my vision of developing a strong, unique ICF brand. Some of the achievements were my contributions to: Establishing KPIs to measure how we perform; Planting the seeds for the omnitaxi research project- our Global Awareness Study; and Launching the Branded Evenst Taskforce with one of the outcomes being to create the first global event outside North America (London 2012 conference).

Greatest Achievement as President: The highlights of my presidential year are many. I engaged the Board in scenario planning where we used Systemic Constellation to support the Board looking at the ICF as a system. I also was the advocate of a culture change, to align Chapter and ICF Global around the brand attributes that through the Brand Taskforce and subsequent round of research we established. The Dialogue Based Planning process was one of the tools that I shared with the organization to foster dialogue around change and we ran very positive Dialogue Based Planning sessions with South American and European Chapter leaders, and all Chapter leaders attending the 2010 ICF Conference.

To keep measuring and assessing what we do, I partnered with staff to create a Product Review and Satisfaction Survey. The interesting data helped us to rationalize our efforts.

I also suggested the creation of a Technology Taskforce in order to start strategizing the ICF website of the future.

The best accomplishment of all was the launch of the "I care for" campaign (www.ICFICareFor.org) that came to me in a dream. We, as ICF members, are all united by the fact that we care for ourselves, our circle of relationship, and our world.

Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: I gladly moved into a role of advisor/mentor. I was hugely glad to witness and contribute to the completion of the brand project and the development of the "Brand in a Box" tool for all Chapter leaders. In my role of Chair of the Nominating Committee, I was thrilled to have contributed to the election of the first South American President-elect (Damian Goldbar). As a believer of creating partnerships, I also inspired a joint Systemic Constellation to explore how we can move to a place of further collaboration with the second largest coaching organization, EMCC.

Greatest Lessons Learned: Even if we are all coaches, we all still have a lot to learn in terms of giving/receiving feedback and taking full responsibility for our actions. Also developing a clear, trust-based relationship with staff is crucial for having the right, authentic conversations needed.

Leaders I admire: I admire most of the CEOs and Managing Directors I work with, for their courage to learn to become vulnerable and authentic.

Plans for the future: I want to keep growing Life Coach Lab to generate more cultural transformations in the corporate world and publish my second book.

Words of wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Develop a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, focus around what is really important, and generate energy, consensus, and support for your plan.

Blog/Website: www.lifecoachlab.com

Contact Information: giovanna@lifecoachlab.com

Karen Tweedie, PCC
Australia
Year of Presidency: 2009
Coaching specialty: Leadership and Team Coach
Year joined ICF: 2001
Why I joined: I had been working on my own for 10 years, consulting and training, and I had been coaching for a few years. So I had two reasons for joining: I was interested to find out if what I was doing as a coach was "right"; and I wanted to find a community and to feel connected. When I first attended an ICF function, I felt both at home and inspired by the people there and what they were doing.

Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors (and position): My first leadership roles with ICF were in Australia. I was on the Australasian Regional Board for four years, and in the final year I was Australasian President. I was a member of the global Board from 2006 to 2010: Secretary/Treasurer (2007), President-elect (2008), President (2009), and Past President (2010).

Greatest Accomplishments as President-elect: My involvement with the various Credentialing Task Forces was most memorable (though not actually an accomplishment of mine). It gave me a great insight into the work we were doing to enhance the credential and the credentialing process; and an appreciation for the professional process in which we engaged. It was also a powerful professional development opportunity and connected me with a number of "elder statesmen" of credentialing. Also in 2008, I first came in contact with Satya Murty and Dr. Reddy from India, and I had the presence of mind to connect these men with our global Membership Director, Don Whittle.

Greatest Achievement as President: 2009 saw the launch of the Chapter Leader Coaching Program with 12 coach pairings  from across the globe. This initiative is in its third year now [as of 2011].

My visit to India, with Don Whittle, was a highlight. Our presence in India provided an opportunity for the local ICF leaders to connect with important decision-makers in business and community in India. Don and I attended the first Indian Coaching conference attended by 150 people. We visited a local chapter and a multi-million dollar business and met the pioneering L&D staff who were well along in instilling a coaching culture. We met with government officials, leading academics, journalists business people and local ICF members.

The Brand Development project was launched in early 2009 with a task force meeting in Philadelphia. We found ourselves in the brilliant hands of William Arruda, and Research Director, Mark Ruth. The fruits of that work are now bearing fruit.

Probably the most indelible memory I have of my year as President was the Lunch and Learn event at the Orlando Conference. This was the culmination of a very turbulent time in ICF's history with a very mixed reception to the credentialing changes we were developing. At that event, eight or nine hundred of our members from every nation, every credentialing level, and every opinion met to have their voices heard by each other and their Board. It was a wonderful moment in our history when the breadth of our organization was visible in one room and the diversity of opinion was received with respect.

Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: Providing wholehearted support for Giovanna D'Alessio and the Board, at what I hope was the right distance. Seeing the Chapter Leader coaching program continue to grow, hear the incredible value it provides to developing ICF'S coaching culture, and feel that it has the possibility to positively impact the ICF leadership experience for generations to come.

Greatest Lessons Learned: We are only here for a short time, until we pass the baton to the next President. To keep my eye on the vision and work either humbly or assertively as required to achieve that end. To be myself and not overly concerned with just being liked. To involve others as much as possible and enable them to be bring their best. To appreciate how integral our management staff are to all that ICF accomplishes. And that despite attempting to list my accomplishments here—none of them are mine alone.

Leaders I admire: There is not any one person that I admire as a leader, but aspects of many and in many contexts. I am a keen observer of leadership (in business, in ICF, in sport, and in government) and admire those that get the balance right. I've got plenty to learn still.

Plans for the future: Focus on my business partnership, Point Ahead. Note the word focus! Not be caught into spreading my efforts too widely or thinly. Together we have great plans, a cohesive team, and an opportunity to make a real difference—and some fun.

Words of wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Have a vision. Be authentic. Involve others. Always remember those without whose support you would not be there, and thank them. LAUGH!

Blog/Website: http://www.pointahead.com.au/

Contact Information: kt@mira.net; Skype: karent200; 61418 997 190

Diane Brennan, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2008
Coaching specialty: Executive and Leadership Coach
Year joined ICF: 2000
Why I joined: To be a part of the professional association for coaches. I joined right after I began my initial coach training and I attended my first ICF Conference that fall. I came away knowing I made the right move to become a member of this powerful community. I initiated outreach within my home community and together with a few key coaches, we founded the ICF Tucson Chapter. I had the privilege of serving as the first president for the chapter in 2001. I am proud to be part of this vibrant community of professional coaches both locally and globally.
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: 2004-2009; Director (2004), Vice President (2005-2006), President Elect (2007), President (2008), and Past President (2009). Other positions within ICF: Assistant Chair ICF Regulatory Committee (2002), and Co-Chair ICF Regulatory Committee (2003-2004).
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Built and strengthened relationships and presence of ICF and coaching across Europe. Outreached to other coaching organizations to find ways to work together for the good of this emerging profession.
Greatest Achievements as President: Strengthened ICF presence worldwide with outreach and the opening of Regional Service Centres in Brussels and Sydney. Continued focus and commitment to knowledge based leadership and a culture of learning within ICF leadership among board, committees and staff. Strengthened outreach and development with ICF Chapter Leaders. Continued enhancement of Credentialing and Program Accreditation processes at the same time we immersed ourselves in the work toward ISO (International Organization and Standardization) compliance. Formation of the Educational Advisory Group and enhancement of the virtual education process. Continued outreach and development of relationships with other coaching bodies. Continued development of research initiatives with the launch of the ICF Research Portal and initiation of the ICF Global Coaching Client Study.
Greatest accomplishments as Past President: Bringing the ICF Foundation to life in service of the larger community of coaching and society.
Greatest Lessons Learned: Stay focused on the bigger picture and purpose of the organization. ICF is a large organization, not unlike organizations we work with as coaches. There is always something happening. ICF has knowledgeable and committed staff and Board members. This makes the role of President a lot easier and much more fun. It is important to be open, to listen, to look for the learning, and to trust yourself as a leader.
Leaders I admire: Gandhi
Future plans: Continue work as an executive and leadership coach. Stay involved as an ICF member. Contribute to the larger community through writing and speaking internationally.
Words of wisdom: Take care of yourself so that you are at your best. Stay engaged in your work and life outside of ICF. Enjoy every moment because it goes by quickly! 
Blog and/or Website: www.coachdiane.com;  Twitter: coachdianeb
Contact Information: Office: 520-797-6645; Mobile: 520-954-6645; e-mail: diane@coachdiane.com or coachdiane@gmail.com.

Kay Cannon, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2007
Coaching specialty: Executive Coaching
Year joined ICF: 1998
Why I joined: To support the profession
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: Director (2003); Vice President (2004); President-elect (2006); President (2007); Past President (2008).
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Introduced the knowledge-based decision-making process and strategic planning methodology. Led to the creation of the ICF's 30-year strategic plan with defined three-five year strategic objectives to give the ICF consistency of direction and focus which are independent of changing leadership.
Greatest Achievements as President: Implemented a process to more fully engage the president-elect and facilitate seamless leadership succession; revised committee structure to align with and support the ICF's strategic plan; convened the globally-diverse Organizational Task Force to insure the ICF's organizational approach offered an equitable and flexible choice of affiliation models to meet the needs of the rapidly growing global membership. This work led to changes in membership categories and chapter structure, in addition to creating four categories of ICF Partners and the establishment of regional service centers in Europe and Australasia; initiated the ISO compliance process for ICF credentials to meet globally recognized standards; completion of the ICF Global Coaching Study. This study was the first global research project on the coaching profession conducted on behalf of the ICF by an independent entity, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Also began the planning for the companion study on global coaching clients.
Greatest accomplishments as Past President: Initiated the operation of the ICF Foundation.
Greatest Lessons Learned: The ICF is filled with extraordinarily talented and deeply committed leaders but you have to search to find them. The most effective leaders are seldom the loudest and are rarely found standing in the limelight. They are the people who are quietly and courageously creating positive results through empowering others. The future of the ICF depends upon these wise, forward-thinking individuals who can see beyond their own deeply held individual agendas and regional viewpoints.
Leaders I admire: Mahatma Gandhi; Martin Luther King; and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Future Plans: Continue working with executive leaders, as well as assuming business leadership roles within the coaching community.
Words of wisdom: Being the president of the ICF is not about creating ‘your legacy'. It's about being a wise steward of an organization that is a living entity. Listen to ALL of the members - not just the loudest, the most persistent or the most critical. Realize that no matter what decisions are made, there will always be someone who is unhappy. Don't let the prospects of making someone unhappy keep you from building a stronger, more vibrant and more responsive organization. Keep your heart in the present and your eyes on the future.Trust the intentions of your leadership team.
Blog and/or Website: www.LeadershipWhisperer.com
Contact Information: P.O. Box 22178 Lexington, KY 40522-2178; +1.859.266.2436; or Kay@LeadershipWhisperer.com

Pam Richarde, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2006
Coaching Specialty: Executive, Personal, Spiritual 
Year joined ICF: First year of inception 
Why I joined: It was the next logical step on developing the profession. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: 2007 (Past President); 2005 (President-Elect); 2004 (Vice President); 2003 (Director); 1998-2001 (Various Committees) 
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Interviewing, researching and recommendation to hire new management company (Host).
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Further facilitating global connections. 
Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: Continuing as an ambassador for coaching and the ICF. 
Greatest Lessons Learned: The art of coaching is transforming people, countries and cultures globally.  
Leaders I admire: No one person. All those things that inspire evolutionary thinking and exploration, with an eye toward peaceful living on the planet.  
Plans for the future: Doctoral program with emphasis on the way of being - of coaching (contribute to the much needed research on coaching as a discipline). 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Love the work. 
Contact information: Pam@InnerVisionEnterprises.com, or +1.714.996.9911

Steve Mitten, MCC 
Canada
Year of Presidency: 2005 
Coaching Specialty: Life, Business, Leadership
Year joined ICF: 1997 
Why I joined: Because this new profession of coaching needed a strong central body to help support its growth. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: Three years 
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Helped raise the bar for greater professionalism by introducing new membership levels, changing hour requirement for ICF Credentials and changing management companies to provide better service to the membership.  
Greatest Lessons Learned: Wisdom is earned by exercising the ability to consistently, and by skillful means, act for the greater good of the greatest number of people-regardless of popular opinion.    
Coaching-Related Awards: 2007 Canadian Coach of the Year 
Leaders I admire: Gandhi 
Plans for the future: Live, love, learn and share fully. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Good luck! 
Blog and/ or Website: http://www.acoach4u.com/ 

Dr. Barbara Walton, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2004
Coaching specialty: Leadership/Executive/Life
Year joined ICF: 1996
Why I joined: I've always been passionate about coaching as a profession and wanted to be part of establishing and communicating the distinction between coaching and other professional relationships.
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: 1997-2007 (Chapter Outreach Coordinator, Director at Large, President-Elect, President, Past-President).
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Attending the Global ICF Conferences, i.e. Sydney, Australia-building connections/relationships that continue to be important to ICF leadership and global presence.
Greatest Achievements as President: Initiating the conversation with Host Association Management-our association needed to take the next steps toward sustainability and profitability.
Greatest accomplishments as Past President: Identifying amazing coaches willing to step into leadership roles and take the organization forward.
Greatest Lessons Learned: That there is a remarkably similar conversation occurring around the globe related to love and peace; and that coaching as a profession has a role to play in the evolution of that conversation.
Coaching-Related Awards: International Prism Award (NASA 2007).
Leaders I admire: Our ICF Chapter Leaders who create community for coaches around the globe, especially those willing to step up to the next levels of leadership within our organization. The coaching profession needs strong ICF leadership.
Words of wisdom: Be inspired, inspire others, and recognize that the leadership of the ICF is a team effort.
Blog and/or Website: www.kansascitycoach.com.
Contact Information: drwalton@kc.rr.com; +1.816.456.6380

Judy Feld, MCC 
United States
Year of Presidency: 2003
Coaching Specialty: Executive, Corporate, Professional, and Career 
Year joined ICF: 1995 
Why I joined: I worked with Thomas Leonard to establish the organization and create and publish the ICF Coaching News. I was founder of the first official ICF Chapter-North Texas. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: Board:1998-2000; V.P: 2001; Pres-Elect: 2002; Pres.: 2003; Past Pres.: 2004.
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Put a priority on financial solidarity: went from a budget deficit, negative cash flow and no reserves to positive financial measurements; launched the Blue Ribbon Global Commission and the Global Forum; established the Past Presidents' Advisory Panel; implemented the first world-wide coaching survey; instituted programs, member benefits and sponsorships to create non-dues revenue; and built bridges with coaching organizations and coaching schools, most notably with CoachVille, bringing them into the ICF community. 
Coaching-Related Awards: International Prism Award for UTD 
Plans for the future: Continue to work with individuals, groups and organizations in my private practice. Continue to manage and grow the Executive and Professional Coaching Program at the University of Texas at Dallas. Write another book. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Honor the history of the organization and the wisdom of past leaders and their experience. An applicable Japanese quotation: "Beware the man who says he has 10 years of experience, who actually has 1 year of experience 10 times." 
Blog and/ or Website: http://www.coachnet.com/,
http://www.coachingsuccess.com, UTD: http://som.utdallas.edu/coaching 
Contact Information: judy@coachnet.com,
judy@coachingsuccess.com,
judith.feld@utdallas.edu, or +1.972.931.6366.

Bobette Reeder, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2002
Coaching Specialty: Life, Executive, Mentor Coaching 
Year joined ICF: 1995 
Why I joined: I joined ICF when it was just being started by Thomas Leonard with the intention to support the concept of bringing professional coaches together for learning, growing, sharing and having fun. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: 1996-2006 Board Member; 1996-1998 Chapter Coordinator; 1998-1999 Secretary; 1999-2000 Vice President; 2000-2001 President-Elect; 2001-2003 President (extended term); 2003-2004 Past President; 2004-2006 Conference Co-Chair.
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Global Conferences (Australia, Europe), founding the Global Forum. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Enhancing communication with membership through scheduled calls with the president, going out to the membership where they lived, and answering e-mails personally. And in the wake of 9-11, creating opportunities for coaches to communicate with one another and to give back through their service to fellow human beings.  
Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: Still being alive after the presidency; supporting the incoming president and getting out of her way; conference leadership; and bringing historical perspective to current decisions. 
Greatest Lessons Learned: Telling the truth is easy; great leadership is an art which requires heart, guts, thick skin and all the love you can muster; there are no coincidences; coaching is on the planet now because it is the absolute right time for this profession to flourish...the world needs coaching now. 
Coaching-Related Awards: President's Award 2002, FRAnkie Award 2003 
Leaders I admire: Judi Telesnick, Bill Clinton, Julio Olalla, Paul Newman, Helen Keller and Dr. Paul Pearsal.
Plans for the future: I maintain a coaching practice with high level clients as well as pro-bono clients.  I also am co-producer of "Conversation Among Masters" - a conference for master level coaches. I am a co-founder and President of the Coach Initiative - a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono coaching for those serving others and those who would not have access to coaching any other way. I am a partner in Print Strategies LLC - a dynamic assessment tool and method for coaches. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Maintain your view of the organization and the profession from the perspective of the members and make decisions from that place; and laugh, smile, laugh, giggle, laugh, smile, giggle...and then, don't forget to laugh! 
Blog and/or Website: http://www.bobettereeder.com/ 
Contact Information: bobetcoach@aol.com or +1.305-666-7669

Darelyn "DJ" Mitsch, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2001
Coaching Specialty: President of The Pyramid Resource Group, a Coaching Company with 17 Colleagues who focus on Leadership Executive, Top Talent and Corporate Teams, I still coach select executives and their teams. 
Year joined ICF: 1995 (Inception)  
Why I joined: I was lonely for professional coaches as colleagues. I was a proponent of the original conversation for synthesis of ethics and standards for the profession.  
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: Six (6) Years: Past President, President, President Elect, Conference MC, Chair of Development Task Force in charge of hiring first Management Company, original Executive Summit council liaison, grandfathered as MCC and was part of original certification review team. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Interviewed a number of Executive Directors and found first interim Executive Director for the ICF as we moved into organizing ourselves as a professional society, also interviewed select management firms to hire our first with Presidents John Seiffer and Marcia Reynolds. I gave the first President's Award to Sherry Lowry for her many contributions to the ICF, particularly in the area of credentialing, and started the Spirit of Coaching Award in memory of our Board Member Jennifer White who passed away while on the Board. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Took the lead in moving beyond the US as an international organization, promoted and supported the first chapters formed outside the US, sponsored the first international conference in Switzerland, met with Eva Wong to open the door to China, and celebrated Japan's initiation as Country Chapter of the ICF, the sole professional designation there. We hosted the first Board Meeting outside the US. We set up the first office outside the US in Germany, which was later closed as we moved to launch conferences across Europe every two years, and in Australia annually. 
Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: Collaborated with thought leaders in the coaching community and set a template, editing "Coaching for Extraordinary Results," for the American Society for Training and Development. Participated with colleagues from around the globe in creation of an Elders Wisdom Circle, a result of work at the Evolving the Summit work among thought leaders in the profession held in Vancouver early 2006. I continue to participate in Past President Teleconferences to stay abreast of current needs/trends in the ICF. 
Greatest Lessons Learned: We speak to the culture before we speak to the person. Coaching in its distinct form is the same conversation in every language and has the same fascinating promise- - the ability to move conversations beyond cultural limitations, creating a new communication among human beings. It is the only conversation that can do this... so the world needs us. Judgment begets judgment.
Coaching-Related Awards: The Pinnacle Award for Small Business, given by the City of Raleigh, NC, 2006 and Cary Chamber's Small Business of the Year Award, 2000.  
Leaders I admire: Thomas Leonard, Laura Whitworth in memory and as welcome muses for my continuous creations; The other Past Presidents - only they know the high costs of service required for this position and the amazing benefits of the connections; Mamoru Itoh-san, Eva Wong, Shirley Anderson, Cheryl Richardson, Laura Berman Fortgang, Sandy Vilas, Julio Olalla, Terrie Lupberger and my dearest coaching colleagues who are all master coaches - Marcia Reynolds, Harriett Simon Salinger among them. All can be found at http://www.pyramidresource.com/ coaches. 
Plans for the future: Two books to be published in 2008, more speeches to large corporate audiences, more work with professional women with a focus of creating conscious leadership and networks of do-gooders who give back to their communities of interests. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Participate instead of perform; Get over the need to be liked; A smile is the same in every language; Hold the intention for the next stage of evolution for the profession.

Dr. Marcia Reynolds, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 2000
Coaching Specialty: Executive/Corporate 
Year joined ICF: 1996 
Why I joined: I am so grateful for being involved with coaching at the time it was emerging as a profession. It was an honor to be a part of the ICF from the beginning, creating the first professional association to give us credibility and a "center" where we could all meet and grow together. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: 4 years - went from board member to president. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: DJ was our first formal president-elect. The position did not exist before that. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Brought Executive-Corporate coaching into prominence, on par with Life coaching. I was the first president with corporate experience. Also, I hired the first professional management company for the ICF. 
Greatest Accomplishments as Past President: Helped to approve and plan the first European coaching conference.
Greatest Lessons Learned: How to take an organization from being seen as a club to being a professional association; I experienced how difficult it is to be the leader when difficult decisions must be made, ones that many people will not like. Yet, we have to stand strong with our decisions.
Leaders I admire: Julio Olalla for his passion. Zainab Salbi - she is a hero and an angel as well as an amazing leader. 
Plans for the future: Having finished my doctorate focusing on women high-achievers, I will be focusing a lot of my work on women in corporations. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Call on the people who preceded you. There is a lot of wisdom and perspective among the past leaders and they are willing to help. 
Contact Information: Marcia@OutsmartYourBrain.com or +1.602.954.9030

John Seiffer, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 1999
Coaching Specialty: Small Business, Entrepreneurs 
Year joined ICF: Founding member 
Why I joined: It was a fun group to be part of. 
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: Part of the founding circle - I don't know if it was officially a board yet; Treasurer in 1997, Past President 1999. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: There was no President-Elect position. As president, I was involved in creating that position. 
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Guided the organization through the turbulence of being a young, growing organization to develop some structure to support growth. It was at this time the ICF started to move from an all volunteer group to an established organization. Specifically, I helped to re-write the bylaws, and establish a better structure for the Board and officers. Additionally, I hired the first outside executive director and prepared the ICF for hiring the first outside Management Company. 
Greatest Lessons Learned: How to be better at organizational politics and keeping everyone feeling involved. I mostly learned this by doing it so poorly. 
Coaching-Related Awards: I was in the first group to receive MCC certification. 
Plans for the future: Work on ways to support and fund small growing businesses and help founders become better CEOs. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: 
The organization is so different from when I was president: it is much larger, entirely less America-centric, and there are so many more Internal/Corporate coaches that the needs and focus of the ICF are very different. Having said that, people and politics are probably the same. I'd say learn those skills and try to focus on accomplishing only one major goal in moving the organization forward. You'll probably only have time for one thing in a year. 
Blog and/ or Website: http://www.TheSmallBusinessCoach.com/blog  
Contact Information: john@sbcoach.com or +1.203.775.6676

Cheryl Richardson, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: 1996-1997
Coaching Specialty: High quality life 
Year joined ICF: Founding member 
Why I joined: To help create an independent professional association that would legitimize coaching.   
Year(s) involved with the Board of Directors: At the beginning.
Greatest Accomplishments as President: Leading a team who got the organization up and running, who developed the first ICF Web site and who organized the first conference. 
Greatest Lessons Learned: You must be willing to rock the boat in order to get important work done.   
Leaders I admire: Thomas Leonard 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to presidency after you: Be willing to rock the boat. 
Blog and/or Website: http://www.cherylrichardson.com/

Sandy Vilas, MCC
United States
Year of Presidency: January-July 1996
Coaching Specialty: Small business and coaches
Year joined ICF: Co-founder
Greatest Accomplishments as President-Elect: Working with Thomas Leonard to birth the ICF.
Greatest Lessons Learned: I keep learning them.
Leaders I admire: Thomas Leonard
Plans for the Future: I am semi-retired. 
Words of Wisdom to those who rise to the presidency after you: Keep creating value for our membership.
Blog and/ or Website: http://www.coachinc.com/
Contact Information: Sandy@coachu.com or +1.520.744.4502

Other ICF Past Presidents:
Jeff Raim
United States
Year of Presidency: 1997-1998