As Motivation Excellence celebrates its 40th year in the incentives and meetings industry, the company announced new roles on the management team. In 2024, after owner David Jobes passed away, the Board of Directors named Bob Graham, VP Client Solutions, and Michelle Ebner, VP Finance, as co-Presidents/CEOs.
After a successful transition period, the Board decided to name Ebner as the CFO and Graham as the sole President and CEO.
“We appreciate the collaboration Bob and Michelle demonstrated during a difficult time. They were pillars the rest of the company could count on. We’re confident their new roles will highlight their strengths and solidify the positive track Motivation Excellence is on,” said Denise Jobes, Motivation Excellence Owner and Board Member.
Both Graham and Ebner are excited about the future of Motivation Excellence and their respective roles going forward.
“It was an honor to step into the co-CEO role with Bob at the time, but focusing on the financial security and growth of the company is really where I can offer the best guidance,” said Ebner regarding her new title as CFO.
Graham has been with Motivation Excellence since 2001, and in the performance improvement industry even longer. The Board believes his particular skills with data analytics and mapping projected outcomes for clients will serve him well as the big picture driver at the company.
“I care deeply about the success of Motivation Excellence, our team and our clients. I look forward to continuing our level of service, while exploring new efficiencies and expanding our internal team in 2025,” said Graham.
The new titles were effective January 1, 2025 with employees being told at their January company-wide meeting. Other leadership team members are Brad Hecht, Sr VP Travel & Chief Travel Strategist, Kelli Robb, VP Travel Operations and Rhonda Brewer, VP Sales.
