The Professional Beauty Association has named Leslie Perry as its Executive Director, stepping into the position being vacated by outgoing leader Nina Daily.
Perry will assume her new role on Jan. 31. She has served multiple diverse roles in the beauty industry, most recently as the PBA's Director of Membership and Education.
“My love for professional beauty started as a kid in the 1990s, watching my hairdresser mom transform client after client in her salon,” says Perry, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist.
“I never imagined as a kid sweeping hair and folding towels that one day I’d have the immense privilege of leading the association for this incredible industry. Professional beauty isn’t just my career. It’s my life.”
Perry joined the PBA as its Education and Training Manager. Prior to her tenure at the beauty industry nonprofit, she worked as a bridal makeup artist and owned her own cosmetics company, Leslie Perry Cosmetics. She's also worked with nonprofits and corporations in marketing and public relations roles.
Jay Elarar, Chairman of PBA’s Board of Directors and CEO Americas of Moroccanoil, says the organization is excited to welcome Perry to her new position.
“Her exceptional leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to beauty professionals make her the ideal person to lead PBA into its next chapter," Elarar says.
During her tenure at PBA, Perry spearheaded initiatives that enhanced membership benefits, increased engagement, and fostered satisfaction among members.
Perry's vision as the PBA's Executive Director includes expanding resources, advocating on behalf of the industry, and creating more opportunities for networking and professional development.
Her leadership builds on the successes of Daily, who has led the PBA since 2021. Her tenure included milestones such as the formation of USA Beauty LLC, a joint venture between BolognaFiere Group, Informa Markets, and PBA.