The International Franchise Association has appointed Victoria J. Adams as director of political affairs. Adams will be responsible for developing and implementing overall strategy for the association's political action committee, FranPAC, as well as fund raising and coordinating IFA's activities to provide maximum effectiveness in achieving the organization's legislative agenda. IFA, the "voice of franchising," represents more than 8,000 franchisees, 1,000 franchisors and 400 suppliers.

"Victoria Adams is singularly qualified to lead FranPAC and brings a unique mix of political and fund-raising experience, as well as knowledge of small business issues, to her new role at the IFA," says IFA President Matthew Shay.

Prior to joining IFA, Adams served as manager of political affairs for the National Restaurant Association, where she gained recognition for her leadership of the group's political action committee, NRA-PAC. She raised more than $1.5 million for NRA-PAC during the 2003–2004 election cycle and was responsible for managing all of the daily aspects of the PAC's operations. During that time, she organized and implemented more than 40 annual fundraising events and served as political liaison to the NRA board of directors, members of Congress, candidates. and national party leaders.

Prior to joining NRA, Adams worked as the administrative and legislative coordinator for the Washington, D.C. government relations office of the McDonald's Corp. She began her career with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as the coordinator for its political action committee.