CARROLLTON, Texas - Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., was recently recognized by Global Franchise Magazine as one of the Top Faces of Franchising in 2017 for her work with the International Franchising Association (IFA), including her involvement in the Women’s Franchise Committee, the Franchise Relations Committee, Franchise Action Network meetings and teaching and speaking at various IFA conventions around the world. Monson is also recognized for her mentoring leadership style and for her concern about FASTSIGNS franchisees professionally and personally.

The Top 20 Faces of Franchising recognition honors leaders who are at the top of their game in the world of franchising and whose entrepreneurial spirit or contribution to franchising has caught the eye of the Global Franchise team.

“It is such an honor to be selected for this recognition among the other highly respected professionals who love and live franchising,” said Monson.

About Catherine Monson

Catherine became CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2009, bringing over 30 years of franchising and management experience. In 2009, she received the International Franchise Association (IFA) Bonny LeVine Award in recognition of her contributions to the growth of the franchising industry and in 2010, the Dallas Business Journal named her a top Women Industry Leader in the Dallas Metroplex. In 2012, Catherine appeared on the Emmy Award-winning series Undercover Boss to learn new ways to advance the FASTSIGNS brand. In 2015, she received the International Franchise Association’s first Franchise Action Network’s FAN of the Year award for her advocacy work in the franchising community. In 2016 she was selected as a Soderstrom Society Inductee for her contributions to the printing and graphic communications industry and was also honored with the 2016 Leadership Award from the Women That Soar organization. Catherine currently serves on the Board of Directors of the IFA and was elected Secretary in 2017. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for two franchise companies - The Learning Experience® and Brain Balance – and one other industry association, Idealliance.