2026-27 AACS Board of Directors Candidates

american association of career schools

AACS Board of Directors Candidates: 2026-27

The AACS Board of Directors plays an important role in guiding the association’s priorities, strengthening our industry, and representing the interests of beauty, barber, and wellness schools nationwide. We invite AACS members to learn more about this year’s candidates, their experience, and their vision for serving the AACS community. There are 3 school member seats and 1 partner member seat available this election year.
 

New this year, the AACS Board of Directors election will be conducted electronically. Eligible voting members will receive information and instructions for casting their ballots electronically prior to the election period. The elected members will be sworn in during the Annual Business Meeting, to be held at the AACS Annual Conference.

 
Explore the candidate profiles below, get to know those seeking to serve, and make your voice heard in shaping the future leadership of AACS.

2026 School Member Candidates

Courtney Sykes

Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute

Courtney Sykes

Courtney Sykes is Founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute, a nationally accredited, clock-hour and degree-granting postsecondary institution. A Licensed Esthetics Instructor, national speaker, and industry author, she brings expertise in education, accreditation, regulatory compliance, and workforce development. Her service includes COE, SC LLR Task Force, and nonprofit leadership, with a commitment to advancing career education nationwide.

Elena Ortiz

Beauty on Fleek School

Elena Ortiz

Elena Ortiz, founder and owner of Beauty On Fleek School and a dedicated leader in beauty and career education. Bringing a strong commitment to educational excellence, industry advocacy, student success, and organizational growth. Through innovative leadership and community engagement, Elena champions collaboration, accountability, and meaningful advancement of the beauty and career school industry, empowering schools, educators, and future professionals.

 

Gregory de Haydu

Christine Valmy

Gregory de Haydu

Gregory de Haydu is the President of Christine Valmy, a third-generation family business. Christine Valmy established the first esthetics school and dedicated esthetics program in the United States in 1965. The Company also manufactures skincare products in the USA. Christine Valmy owns and operates two schools: one in New York City and one in New Jersey.

JC Rivas

Moler Barber and Cosmetology Colleges

JC Rivas

JC Rivas is Chief Operating Officer of Moler Barber & Cosmetology Colleges and a career education leader with over 15 years of experience in postsecondary education. His background spans multi-campus leadership, operations, accreditation, compliance, and organizational development. He also serves the sector as an accreditation peer evaluator and is committed to advancing educational quality and strengthening career education for schools and students alike.

Kenneth Washburn

Pivot Point Academy & Wahl Barber Academy

Kenneth Washburn

Kenneth Washburn is a career educator and licensed cosmetologist, barber, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience in beauty and barber education. As Principal of Education for Wahl Barber Academy and Pivot Point Academy, he leads curriculum development, educator training, and student success initiatives. Kenneth is committed to advancing career education, supporting schools, educators, and students, and strengthening our industry.

Patrick Bene

Bene's Career Academy

Patrick Bene

Owner of Bene’s Career Academy with 2 campuses in New Port Richey and Brooksville Florida.  Owner of Prestige SIS software.  22 years of School ownership and industry involvement through advocacy.  Married for almost 40 years, 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  I enjoy a faith first, family second and fitness third in a self-disciplined lifestyle

Ramanda Ramirez

Institute of Technology - Clovis

Ramanda Ramirez

Licensed Barber and Cosmetologist with more than 15 years in education, currently serving as a Program Director. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges schools face from new regulations, reduced training hours, and the elimination of practical testing, I am committed to protecting educational standards. I advocate for balanced policies that strengthen our industry and preserve professional standards for future generations statewide.

Robin Halter

The Salon Professional Academy - Evansville

Robin Halter

Robin Halter has over three decades of experience as a commission salon owner, behind-the-chair cosmetologist, and award-winning school owner and director at The Salon Professional Academy in Indiana. As founder and president of the Indiana Association of Cosmetology and Barber Schools, her mission is to protect, preserve, and promote the integrity of the beauty and wellness industry.

Stacey Peters (incumbent)

Crave Beauty Academy

Stacey Peters

As a licensed professional of more than 30 years, Stacey has experienced management of a salon, working as an educator for a manufacturer and then finally moving into the school sector in 2002, working through the ranks from an educator to Assistant Director to now VP/Senior Director of 2 established Academies. Also, a 20+ year attendee of AACS Stacey is continually inspired to strive for a better professional image of our industry, and the licenses/certificates we hold.

2026 Partner Member Candidates

Alcott Czubek (incumbent)

Pivot Point International

Alcott Czubek

Alcott Czubek brings more than 15 years of leadership across beauty, barber, and wellness education, from school operations to international business development. As Pivot Point International’s AVP of Business Development, US & Canada, he leads growth, partnerships, and customer success. A three-year AACS Board member, Alcott contributes proven experience in finance, governance, strategy, advocacy, and vendor representation with collaborative, industry-focused leadership.

Tammy Taylor

Tammy Taylor Nails

Tammy Taylor

Tammy Taylor is the CEO and Founder of Tammy Taylor Nails, a global leader in professional nail products and education. For over 40 years, she has pioneered industry innovation, authored licensing curriculum, advocated for beauty education nationwide, and inspired professionals worldwide through training and mentorship. Her USA-made product line and educational programs continue to shape the future of nail care.

Dear Colleagues,
I am asking for your support and vote for an AACS seat so I can continue advocating for the schools, educators, and students who are the foundation of our profession.
 
As a licensed Barber, Cosmetologist, educator, and Program Director with more than 15 years of experience in education, I have witnessed firsthand how policy changes impact our industry at every level. Every day, I see the challenges schools face as training hours are reduced, practical examinations are eliminated, and deregulation efforts continue to reshape the profession. While change can create opportunities, we must ensure that it does not come at the expense of quality education, public safety, or professional excellence.
 
Our schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of licensed professionals. Strong educational standards provide students with the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience they need to succeed in their careers and serve their communities. When standards are weakened, everyone is affected, including students, educators, employers, and consumers.
 
If elected, I will be a dedicated voice for schools and educational leaders. I will work to protect meaningful training requirements, support programs facing new regulatory challenges, and advocate for policies that strengthen our industry while maintaining the high standards our profession deserves.
 
I believe the future of barbering and cosmetology depends on leaders who understand both the classroom and the realities of today’s industry. I am committed to bringing that perspective to AACS and ensuring schools have a strong, informed voice at the table.
 
I would be honored to earn your support and your vote.
 
Together, we can protect the future of our profession and the success of the students we serve.
 
Sincerely,
Ramanda Ramirez
Licensed Barber & Cosmetologist
Program Director
Candidate for AACS Seat