On July 16, 2008, the IBA announced a plan to transfer its assets to a partnership including NACVA, ValuSource and KeyValueData. Howard Lewis, who spent 33 years with the IRS, including 8 years as the National Program Manager overseeing the Engineering and Valuation programs, took over as Executive Director from Michele Miles. Lewis made the following points in an interview with BVR.
Q. What misconceptions have you heard about this transaction?
Lewis: The number one misconception is that NACVA has acquired and taken over IBA. That is simply not true. There’s a fear that IBA will lose its independence—and that NACVA is now going to run the show and make all the decisions. As the new executive director, I have a very clear set of strategic goals and expectations. They all depend on the IBA maintaining its independence, culture and outstanding history.
Q. What are your goals for IBA?
Lewis: First, to develop, continue and improve on solid communications with IBA membership and its leaders. IBA’s leaders include regional governors that represent the IBA across the country. They have the closest contact with members and candidate members in their respective regions. My first goal is to develop and improve relationships and communications with those people. Number two is to take advantage of opportunities that are available with other organizations and stakeholders in our industry that would be beneficial to IBA and others as well [Editor’s note: including BVR. IBA and BVR are already working together on the IBA Guide to Sample Business Appraisal Reports, and the Summit on DLOM next week.] The third goal is to focus on IBA’s outstanding strengths, history and reputation. I’ve known Michelle and Ray Miles for quite a number of years and I’m looking forward to working with them to make sure that we maintain every element they built that made IBA the organization it is.