Promotes Julie Van Ullen to Vice President, Member Services, to Enhance IAB Member Experience
NEW YORK – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) announced the appointment of Michael Theodore to Vice President, Training and Development. In this new position, Theodore is responsible for managing and cultivating the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification program as well as developing and facilitating professional development curricula and training materials. Julie Van Ullen assumes Theodore’s previous position, Vice President, Member Services. In her new role, Van Ullen will manage IAB membership relations, including new member acquisition, retention and communication.
The IAB Digital Media Sales Certification program was launched in May to immediate success. Over 100 sales executives can now claim to be IAB certified digital sales professionals. Another 100 sales people are registered to take the next test in October. Theodore’s new role allows him to devote his full efforts to advancing the program, including its international expansion as well as the creation of other training and development initiatives.
“Better trained sales teams will accelerate the growth of companies and individuals in digital advertising,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB. “I strongly believe that this new role is a critical function for both the IAB and our industry. I look forward to seeing Michael take the ecosystem to new heights through this key position.”
“Education and training has been my passion since joining IAB, and I’m excited to be given this new responsibility at such an important time,” said Theodore. “Certification will raise the level of professionalism in the digital marketing and media arena.”
Van Ullen will now oversee member relations, using her broad knowledge and understanding of IAB to attract and retain members with new programs and services that enhance the member experience and elevate the industry at large.
“Julie is one of the longest-tenured and most successful members of the IAB team,” said Patrick Dolan, Executive Vice President and COO, IAB. “Her varied experiences within the organization and deep relationships with members make her an ideal fit for this new role.”
“We must create a valuable experience for our members if we are truly going to grow the interactive advertising market,” said Van Ullen. “I see my new role as the continuation of my mission to serve our members.”
Michael Theodore joined IAB in 2007 as Director of Member Services and was quickly promoted to Vice President. Prior to coming to IAB, he served in a variety of senior management positions with industry trade associations, including the New York New Media Association and Connecticut Technology Council. He has extensive experience in traditional and digital media including work in Arthur D. Little’s Media and Entertainment practice and leadership roles at both CitySearch and Kozmo.com. Theodore earned an MBA from Harvard.
Since joining IAB in 2006, Julie Van Ullen has held several positions within the company ranging from benefits administration to director of member operations. Prior to making her transition to the digital space, Julie was an editor at The Taunton Press.
About the IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB is dedicated to the growth of the interactive advertising marketplace, of interactive’s share of total marketing spend, and of its members’ share of total marketing spend. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City with a Public Policy office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.iab.net.
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