Meet the 2021 AACS Board Candidates

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Meet the 2021 AACS Board Candidates

October 6, 2021

Serving as a director is one of the most important ways to support and sustain AACS. Our directors have the responsibility to provide foresight, oversight, and insight for the association. They serve as our primary ambassadors, advocates, and the conscious voice of our members. Our board of directors reflect the highest aspirations of our business, our students, and our industry.

There will be two school member seats and one partner member seat open for this election.

School Members

Neal Heller

Neal Heller is currently the CEO and President of the Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers, located in Hollywood, Florida. Neal holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami and his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. In his current role, Neal oversees the day-to-day operations, compliance and development of three campuses; including state licensure and NACCAS accreditation. Prior to Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers, Neal was co-founder, CEO and President of the Florida College of Natural Health, where he successful led the school to become the largest of its kind in the South Eastern United States. He also served as past-President of the Florida Association of Post-Secondary Schools and Colleges and as an Executive Board member for four years.

Rodrick Samuels

Rodrick is recognized as a renowned leader in cutting-edge educational methods in barber education and men’s grooming as a subject matter expert in the field of barber styling education, he raised the bar in personal appearance education. He has been an educator and consultant for publishers and manufactures as well as the exciting and eclectic advanced educational powerhouse Hair Lab Detroit and now Hair Lab Detroit Barber School. Rodrick has also been named a finalist in two of the most prestigious awards for the beauty industry, International AIPP award for his Men’s Collection in 2016, NAHA 2017 for Men’s Hair Stylist of the Year, and is the 2021 Midwest Hair Styling Awards Barber Stylist of the Year.

John Turnage

John’s diverse background consists of a 10-year stint at two Big 4 firms where he worked exclusively with middle market companies in many different industries and has been delivering results for his schools since he entered the beauty and wellness education business in 1997. As a current partner in The Paul Mitchell Schools located in Dallas, San Antonio, Arlington, Roanoke, Denver, and Miami, he has consistently shown strong leadership skills. John looks forward to exhibiting his servant leadership methods while serving on the AACS Board.

Partner Members

Chris Linford

Nine years ago, Chris Linford started as an unpaid intern at a two man marketing company. His story is that of the American dream of rising to the top, and helping grow a successful company. Since his start, he has held nearly every position at Oozle Media and helped start the sales, PPC, local SEO, and social media departments. Through his efforts and the efforts of others, Oozle Media has grown from a three person company to a 35 person, results-driven machine.

As CEO, Chris is responsible for the vision and growth of the company. He does this through bringing the best out of individuals at Oozle Media. He intends to do the same as a member of the AACS Board of Directors.