Newly Launched Foundation to Focus on Growing Diverse Workforce for the Digital Media & Marketing industries
PHOENIX – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) announced that Michael Theodore has been promoted to Senior Vice President, IAB, and General Manager, IAB Education Foundation. Most recently Vice President, Learning and Development at IAB, in this new leadership role Theodore will remain responsible for the operations of the foundation, a nonprofit organization established to increase racial, ethnic, gender, and economic diversity, and improve peoples’ skills in the digital media and advertising industries. He will also continue to supervise the expansion of IAB certification programs, and facilitate professional development curricula and training materials.
“Michael has been the guiding force behind the success of the IAB certification programs. With more than 5,000 digital ad sales and operations professionals in the program it is rapidly becoming the most recognized credential in our industry”
“Michael has been the guiding force behind the success of the IAB certification programs. With more than 5,000 digital ad sales and operations professionals in the program it is rapidly becoming the most recognized credential in our industry,” said Patrick Dolan, Executive Vice President and COO, IAB. “Recently, his role expanded to take on management of the IAB Education Foundation, building an organization that will focus on improving diversity and the reducing the talent gap in our industry through education and certification. His expertise and enthusiasm are sure to advance the foundation’s mission and help forge a more expansive and robust interactive media and marketing landscape.”
Michael Theodore joined IAB in 2007 as Director of Member Services and was quickly promoted to Vice President. In 2012 he began managing education and learning programs at IAB, and in September 2014 was given the responsibility of oversight of the newly established IAB Education Foundation. 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.
About the IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. It is comprised of more than 650 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital advertising or marketing programs. Together, they account for 86 percent of online advertising in the United States. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. The organization is committed to professional development, elevating the knowledge, skills, and expertise of individuals across the digital marketing industry. The IAB also educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City.
