american association of career schools
AACS Board of Directors Candidates: 2026-27
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.
2026 School Member Candidates

Courtney Sykes
Southeastern Health and Wellness InstituteCourtney 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 SchoolElena 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 ValmyGregory 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 CollegesJC 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 AcademyKenneth 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 AcademyPatrick 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 - ClovisRamanda 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 - EvansvilleRobin 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 AcademyStacey 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 InternationalAlcott Czubek

Tammy Taylor
Tammy Taylor NailsTammy 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.










