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About Us

ICF Houston is the local chapter of the International Coaching Federation, the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. ICF offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners.

The Houston Chapter, established as a global affiliate of ICF global in 2008, is now a vibrant community of coaches buzzing with programs, possibilities, and connections to help you sustain yourself, your business, and the coaching profession. If you are seeking a coach, we have resources to help you better understand coaching and help you find a professional coach from our member directory. Please join our email list to find out about upcoming programs, meetings and events. Guests are always welcome!

Whether you are a Master Certified Coach or just starting your practice… whether you are an executive, life or business coach, or something in between… whether you are interested in adding coaching to your professional skillset, are simply curious about coaching, or are looking to hire a coach… ICF Houston Chapter is your best professional coaching resource!

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Our Mission

To lead the advancement of the coaching profession in the Houston community.

Our Values

Integrity
Excellence
Collaboration
Respect

Our Vision

Coaching is an integral part of a thriving society in Houston, and every ICF Houston member represents the highest quality of professional coaching.

ICF Houston History

Honoring Our Chapter Roots

We offer a special thank you to Debra Bruce, Gloria Silverio, Bruce Anderson, and all of our past leaders who saw the need for a strong local coaching community, and had the dedication to build the organization from its infancy to what it has become today.

Historical Timeline

1995

Houston played an important role in the birth of coaching. Thomas Leonard, a coach who lived and taught in Houston in the 1990s was among the founders of the International Coach Federation in 1995.

Houstonian Bruce Anderson was also one of the founding members of ICF. He led gatherings of Houston coaches beginning around 1995. Sandy Vilas, Judith O’Connor, Ann Houston, Rod Barnes, Sherry Lowry and Donna Fisher were also among those first coaches in Houston. The first ICF conference was held in 1995

2002

The organization that eventually became the local Houston Chapter of ICF hatched over a series of meetings at Starbucks beginning in August 2002 between Debra Bruce and Gloria Silverio, two trained coaches. At that time there were no regular meetings of coaches in Houston

Debra Bruce and Gloria Silverio wanted a reliable community of fellow coaches, so they founded Houston Coaching Network in late 2002 as a combined meeting of ICF and other coaching groups.

2004

In January 2004 Houston Coaching Network established a website, and in June 2004 the HCN board began discussing the merits of creating a nonprofit organization at some point in the future.

2008

In 2008, the chapter changed its name to Houston Coaches Inc. and earned its nonprofit status. The first official board of directors consisted of Bill Hughes, Debra Bruce and Cynthia Simpson. Having gained nonprofit status, Houston Coaches Inc. was able to convert to a “Charter Chapter” of ICF

Present

The chapter, now known as the ICF Houston Chapter, continues to be a charter chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Global association. The deeply rooted Houston chapter continues to build on it's foundation to establish Coaching as an integral part of a thriving society in Houston, where every ICF Houston member represents the highest of quality of professional coaching.