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IAM Young Professionals
"Leadership Through Innovation" is the slogan for the IAM Young Professionals (IAM-YP), a dynamic group of young household goods industry professionals that came together in 2000. With the goal of advancing industry knowledge and fostering the growth of future leaders in our business, IAM-YP is the voice of the next generation within the Association. Learn more about IAM Young Professionals.
Who are the Young Professionals?
The IAM Young Professionals come from many different parts of their companies, including senior C-suite positions.
Mission & Vision
The IAM Young Professionals (IAM-YP) is a dynamic group of young household goods industry professionals that came together in 2000. The Vision of the IAM-YP is to engage and serve all global moving and mobility professionals under the age of 40, and its Mission is to provide global moving and mobility professionals under the age of 40 with professional development, networking, and philanthropic opportunities to prepare the current membership to lead IAM and the industry in the future.
As part of its effort to prepare its members for leadership roles, the group has its own management board that is comprised of a Chair, Vice Chair and Member-At-Large positions. Furthermore, it is IAM policy that at least one IAM-YP member has to serve on every committee in the association.
YP Management Board Elections
Nominations must be submitted by July 1, 2026. The YP Elections will open online on August 1, 2026 and will run through August 30, 2026.
Responsibilities of the IAM-YP Chair:
- Preside over the YP Management Board (YPMB) meetings and the annual IAM-YP Membership Meeting.
- Lead and represent the YPMB, implementing decisions and directives that advance the objectives of IAM.
- Serve as a non-voting member of the IAM’s Executive Committee, providing insights and updates from the YPMB.
- Travel to the IAM Executive Committee in-person meeting twice annually.
- The Chair will select seven Members at Large for the YPMB.
Responsibilities of the IAM-YP Vice Chair:
- Assist the Chair in all duties and preside over meetings in the absence of the Chair.
- Represent the IAM-YP within their assignments on all pertinent matters as directed by the Chair.
- Actively participate in the strategic planning and execution of IAM-YP initiatives.
Eligibility and Voting:
Candidates for these positions must be owners, part-owners, officers, or designated employees of an IAM Premier, Core, or Value member firm in good standing, and must not be older than thirty-eight (38) years at the time of assuming office. Members in good standing are entitled to vote in the elections, which will be conducted online 45 days prior to the IAM-YP Annual Meeting.
Benefits
IAM-YP members receive all electronic communications sent by the Association, including the IAM-YP eNewsletter, On the Move. They appear in our online directory, and have access to Facebook groups where they share information and network.
Apart from the year-round benefits, YPs also have their own schedule of events at the IAM Annual Meeting with ample networking opportunities. Some highlights of the IAM-YP schedule include a teambuilding event, IAM-YP welcome reception, and the very popular Social Mixer, which is now a “Party With A Purpose” in support of the Global Moving Foundation.
IAM-YP membership is open to those individuals who are employees of IAM Members and who are 39 years old or younger when they join the group. To join the IAM-YP, fill out the membership form and click submit. You will be contacted by IAM staff.
Awards
The Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award will recognize an IAM-Young Professional (IAM-YP) member who embodies the mission of the IAM Young Professional community:
The Mission of IAM-YP is to provide global moving and mobility professionals under 40 with professional development, networking, and philanthropic opportunities to prepare the current membership to lead IAM and the industry in the future.
The individual receiving this honor may be selected for a wide range of achievements, but overall, will have distinguished themselves through a commitment to professional development, networking with the young professional community, or engaging in philanthropic activities impacting the global moving and mobility industry.
Selection Criteria
A selection committee of current IAM-YP members will be identified to determine the recipient of the Rising Star Award based on the nominations received. The award will be selected based on the following criteria:
Brought together members of diverse communities with shared interests and has demonstrated remarkable results; also known as a facilitator or connector.
- Brought an innovative initiative, product, or service to the industry or young professional community in an original way.
- Shown a commitment to their colleagues and team members within their organization by impacting the company for the better.
- Made a significant positive impact on an IAM-YP's career through mentorship.
- The mentor's role is multifaceted and includes (but is not limited to) nurturing intellectual growth about the global moving and mobility industry, career development, professional guidance, and positive role modeling.
- Made significant contributions to IAM through board or committee work and involvement with IAM charitable activities.
- The Rising Star will be announced during the IAM 64th Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
Award
The IAM-YP Rising Star award recipient will be announced annually during the IAM Annual Meeting & Expo. The recipient will be featured in Portal magazine and will have the opportunity to pay it forward: The awardee will select an individual who meets the requirements to join the IAM-YP and extend a free YP membership to that individual.
Eligibility Requirements
- The nominee must be a current IAM-YP Member.
- The nominee must have been in the industry for a minimum of two years.
- Individuals may self-nominate.
- IAM members can submit nominations in good standing.
- All submissions must be received through the online application form.
Not Eligible
- Non-IAM members are not permitted to submit a nomination.
- Past winners of the Rising Star Award cannot be nominated again.
Previous Winners: Stars Shining Brightly
- 2021: Catherina-Celeste Stier, Key Account Manager at Henri Harsch HH, was honored for her dedication to collaboration, mentorship, and consistent engagement within IAM-YP initiatives. Her hands-on approach and support of colleagues have contributed positively to both her organization and the wider young professional network.
- 2022: Francesco Argiro, President and CEO of Bliss Corporation, was recognized for driving company growth while remaining deeply engaged with the young professional community. Known for his team-first mindset and professionalism, he has become a respected role model within the industry.
- 2023: Lennert de Jong, Director of Moving at Gosselin Group, was acknowledged for his early leadership, technical insight, and active contribution to IAM initiatives and innovation. His forward-thinking mindset and dedication to industry advancement continue to strengthen both IAM-YP and the broader community.
- 2024: Luis Holst, Director of Business Development at Gridiron Forwarding Co., Inc., was distinguished for his ability to connect professionals across the industry and foster collaboration through mentorship and leadership. His board involvement and supportive approach have had a meaningful impact on IAM-YP members and peers alike.
- 2025: Christina McCarte, Director at AMJ International, was recognized for her leadership in volunteer engagement and her instrumental role in advancing the Country Guides project. Her focus on mentorship, perseverance, and community-driven work reflects a strong commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Not a YP member? Join today!
IAM-YP Country Guide Project
The IAM Country Guides Project is an initiative led by the IAM-YP to update and expand the country guides used by our members worldwide. A dedicated subcommittee of Young Professionals, working alongside IAM staff, will actively reach out to IAM members in different countries to gather accurate, up-to-date information on customs requirements, documentation, and restrictions for household goods shipments. By leveraging the expertise of our global network, this collaborative effort will create a more comprehensive and reliable resource, helping IAM members better advise their customers and navigate international moves with confidence.