As incoming Director, I invited Tracey Biller onto the IFRF team in late 2006 at the time of the organisation’s move from IJmuiden in the Netherlands where it had been established for some 50 years.  Tracey joined the staff in January 2007.  With initial responsibility during the start-up phase for regenerating the accounting, administration and communications functions, Tracey later recruited a new resource to take over the first two areas, which she had fully established, and focussed her attention on the communications role.

Tracey was then also entrusted with the task of driving a strategy redefinition project for the Foundation.  This was deemed necessary in the light of dwindling membership numbers, combined with major shifts in the combustion and energy landscape.
Working initially with an external consultant, Tracey was required by the terms of the project to deliver a series of outputs including a research campaign to determine member needs, a strategy document and the associated three year marketing plan, and a new membership policy.  In the implementation phase she was then required to completely overhaul the Foundation’s brand identity and apply it to the full suite of IFRF communications vehicles including our website, which received a cosmetic facelift, and a comprehensive range of marketing and sales support material, for which Tracey provided all the content.

During this time, Tracey maintained operational control of the communications area, producing our biweekly online newsletter as well as annual reports, articles and other documents, as organising international conferences and technical courses, and liaising with potential and existing IFRF members and National Committee representatives.  She also handled dissemination in two EU funded projects.

My own term as IFRF Director ended in December 2013.  Tracey remained in the organisation to complete the last of her deliverables and to produce one final and highly successful conference.
There is no doubt in my mind that Tracey has made an enormous contribution to IFRF over the last seven years.  With professional dedication, sheer hard work, she has spearheaded an approach and created a tangible legacy of systems, policies and documents which will benefit the organisation for years to come.

I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her.