N.F. Cimaglia Award

Karen Dieckman first began her career in the professional beauty industry in 1960, attending Phagans’ School of Beauty in downtown Salem, Oregon.  Over her 60-year career, Karen has served on several national beauty industry committees and boards, including the AACS executive board, as AACS Director of the Year, and as a founding member and President for the Association of Oregon Cosmetology Schools.

Karen remains incredibly passionate about cosmetology school education, not only the curriculum itself but the manner in which the content is delivered to the student.  To this day she assists with the development, design, and pedagogy of the practical and academic subject matter.  She truly believes in the potential the professional beauty industry has to offer those who are passionate and dedicated to having a career in the field of cosmetology arts and sciences.

Kim McIntosh serves as President of Crave Beauty Academy in Wichita, KS, and Ballwin (St. Louis), MO and is co-owner of SALON Crave in Wichita. Kim has been active in the Beauty Industry for more than thirty years. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructors license in Kansas and Missouri. Kim has worked behind the chair, as a salon owner, spa management and as a manufacturer educator training professional in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado.

Kim is serving her last term on the Board of Directors for American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). She has served in various positions on the AACS Board including: Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Historian, co-chair of AACS Annual Convention, chair of CEA convention, team leader of events, event chair and supervised an education task force team. Kim is a published author of a continuing education course in Nebraska and has been published in several BeautyLink magazines. She also serves on the Missouri Association of Cosmetology School’s Board of Directors. In her spare time, Kim is very active serving the Crickey Alley Ministries Board of Directors as past-President and Advisory Committee member. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO), National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) and has been chair of the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association/Go Red for Women.

A second-generation school owner, Anthony Civitano is a New York State Licensed Cosmetologist with 29 years’ experience in the Hair & Spa industry and 26 years in Beauty Education, having owned nine (9) schools in New York & Florida. Mr. Civitano is the Executive Director of the New York State Beauty School Association and has a seat on the Advisory Board to the New York State Education Department, as well as the Advisory Council for the New York State Department of State Division of Licensing. Anthony served as a Director and Vice President on the Board of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) for more than 13 years with his last major contribution being signing the lawsuit against the Department of Education to rescind Gainful Employment. Anthony is an international and national speaker in the Beauty Industry as well as an accomplished international Judge for Beauty Competitions. Anthony’s most recent endeavor is bringing technology and the Beauty Industry together through innovation to elevate the Beauty Industry.

Since starting his career in 1960, Shuler has served as an influential guide for the industry by winning awards and leading several boards and associations. In 1964, Kenneth was proudly named the ‘South Carolina Barber of the Year.’ He also won the Men’s South Carolina Hairstyling Championships in 1966 and 1967. Shuler served as President of the South Carolina branch of the Associated Master Barber Beauticians of America group (1969-1970), the SC Barber’s Association (1970-1971), the National Association of Barber Schools (1984-1986) and the South Carolina Association of Cosmetology Schools (2001-2003). Shuler was recently awarded the “Order of the Palmetto”, which is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals who have exemplified extraordinary lifetime achievements and service to the state and nation, drawing much needed positive attention to the beauty education industry.

Salvatore (Sal) Pappacoda is a second-generation school owner since 1999 who graduated from the Cosmetology program at the former Learning Institute for Beauty Sciences in Bayshore, NY. After completing his education, Sal worked in a salon on Long Island, before starting to work for his father’s chain of schools. Sal has served in nearly every single administrative role in multiple locations including: admissions, financial aid, and Campus Director. Sal has served as a Board Member for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), and as First Vice-Chair of the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). As a NACCAS Commissioner, Sal also served as Chairperson of the Educational Quality & Compliance Committee, who oversees complaints and government actions against NACCAS Accredited Schools.

Sally is a leading authority on Federal financial aid administration with more than 34 years of “in the trenches” experience. Sally’s experience includes representation at over 300 program reviews and certification visits for postsecondary institutions. Sally has been published many times in various Higher Education periodicals providing her expertise and insight on administering Federal funding based on compliance with the Federal statutes. She has also been an expert witness in Federal and state judicial districts for cases dealing with Federal funding issues.  Sally served on the Private Career Colleges & Schools (PCCS) and American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) boards, and has been a member of NASFAA & SASFAA.

Christine began her career in the beauty industry over 35 years ago, as a CIDESCO diplomat and Master Esthetics instructor. She traveled and taught in many world class spas throughout Europe. In 1999, she became co-owner of the Graham Webb Academy in Arlington, Virginia and was instrumental in promoting the ratification by the Virginia State Assembly of a bill regulating the aesthetics profession. Christine served as President for AACS and was a founding member of Beauty Changes Lives.

An active member of AACS for many years, Samuel Federico served as Director, Treasurer, Vice President, First Vice President and President. Federico graduated with honors from California State University at Sacramento, where he studied Business Administration, Real Estate and School Administration. He entered the career education field in 1963, serving as an officer and administrator in the family business, Federico Career Colleges. As President of NAACS, Federico was committed to helping school owners adjust to the difficult changes in government regulation and accreditation standards.

Jim Goins was Vice President of Pat Goins Beauty Schools. He was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. Jim began his work in cosmetology education in 1986. Jim served on the AACS Government Relations Committee and later became a Commissioner for NACCAS and ultimately the Chairman.

Cynthia Becher, President and owner of La’James International College (LJIC), has been a nationally recognized leader with over 40 years of experience in college directorship, competition, salon ownership, admissions, education, curriculum development and business operations. Ms. Becher also served as a Commissioner for NACCAS.

Robert Passage has served cosmetology education for more than30 years. Born into this industry, Mr. Passage is a licensed cosmetologist, a licensed cosmetology instructor and holds a degree in business from Loyola University. He has made significant contributions to the industry through various positions with Pivot Point International, Inc. Robert served on the Board of Directors of AACS for more than 20 years.

Ms. Dottie Soressi has a preeminent background in the field of cosmetology education. Her long career includes being the National Director of Education for a large national chain of cosmetology schools for five years, school Director for 12 years, Vice President of Education and Vice President of Industry Relations for Empire Education Group, the nation’s largest beauty school chain.

In 1983 after working for Apple Beauty Distributors and a new product concept called Aveda, Anthony Fragomeni realized he had found a combination that intrigued him, Beauty and Education. But it wasn’t until 1988 after a brief stint out of the beauty industry that Fragomeni went to work for his father in law at his Beauty School that he realized he had found his passion and mission, raising the level of the perception of the Professional Beauty Industry through education.

William M. Church was co-owner of Euclid William M. Church was co-owner of Euclid Beauty College, has over 35 years of experience in the private school business. He is also past owner of Riggs LeMar Beauty College and ETI Technical College. He served as a Director of Education, Admissions Rep., Director and Vice-President for multiple school chains. Bill served on the AACS Board of Directors and as President as well as Chairman of NACCAS.

Frank Schoeneman, CEO of Empire Education Group which is the largest chain of cosmetology schools in the United States and represents the third generation to lead the company acquired by his grandfather and father in Pottsville, PA.

Mez Varol graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He founded the International Academy with his wife Paulette in 1981. He has helped thousands of students from all around the world enter the Beauty Industry through the Academy.

Jan was CEO of The Hair Design School which had six locations in various parts of Kentucky. She was a recipient of the “Great Clips’ Cosmetology Educators of America Award”, “AACS Outstanding “Director” of the Year Award”, the “NCA Community Leadership Award for Outstanding Service,” as well as the 2004 “Woman Business Owner of the Year” award given by the Kentucky Chapter of the National Association of Woman Business Owners.

Chiquita Carter was owner of CC’s Cosmetology College, offering training in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. She served as Chair on the Board of Commissioners for NACCAS. She was Chair of the Advisory Council on Cosmetology Relations in Education (ACCRED), and a member of File Review Team #3 and Appeals Committee. She also served as Vice President of the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF).

Michael Vanacore was co-owner of Learning Institute of Beauty Sciences in Brooklyn, New York. He held the position of Vice President of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools where he also served on several committees including Accreditation, CEA, and Convention.

Ray Testa graduated with honors from St. Peters College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing Management as well as minor degrees in Education, Philosophy, English and Economics. He became part owner of Natural Motion Institute in 1976 which expanded to a network of 4 locations throughout Northern New Jersey. The company and eventually became part of the Empire Education Group. Ray served as President of the Association of Cosmetology Schools of NJ for many years. He also served as President of AACS from 1998 – 2000 and as a Commissioner for NACCAS from 2002 to 2005.

Letha Barnes began in the cosmetology industry in 1966. She was the founder and President of Olympus, Inc., which operated two cosmetology schools in New Mexico. She subsequently served as VP of Education for 32 schools located in five states and Directed the Career Institute for Cengage Learning for nine years. She also served the State of NM as Chairman of the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for several years. Her personal mission has been to improve the quality of career education in the United States for many years.

Janice Dorian served as Director of Financial Aid and President of Mansfield Beauty Schools located in Quincy and Springfield, Massachusetts. She is a past Director and President of AACS. She also served on the Board of Directors of NACCAS where she chaired numerous committees and served on the Executive Committee. Ms. Dorian has been active in numerous task forces and committees for the State of Massachusetts including serving as a Board Member of the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Frank Pappacoda began in the cosmetology industry in 1962 and ultimately acquired and operated numerous schools in New York, MA, and NJ, He was President of NY State Beauty Schools Association. He served on the AACS Board of Directors where he co-chaired the Government Relations and served as President. He went on to serve as a Commissioner for NACCAS, ultimately as Treasurer on the Executive Committee. working on several committees including Constitution and Procedures.

John R. Brennan was active in cosmetology schools and the beauty industry for over 40 years. His interest in the industry grew in 1958 when he and his wife, Lorraine, became involved in his mother’s beauty school in Fall River, Massachusetts. Two years later, they took over management of the Fall River Beauty Academy and later opened schools in Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Leo Passage is the Founder and President of Pivot Point International, Inc. which has been in operation since 1962 and whose award-winning educational programs are used in cosmetology schools in nearly 80 countries. Mr. Passage is credited with dramatically changing the concepts behind cosmetology education.

Pat Goins was a school owner and served AACS for many years beginning in 1972 as committee chairperson, historian, director, vice president and most recently, treasurer.

Served as director and officer of NAACS from 1977-85, and served as President of NAACS from 1985-87. He is the author of West’s Textbook of Cosmetology, first and second editions.

For over 35 years, Arthur Resso was an owner of five accredited cosmetology schools in upstate New York. He served as President of AACS and on the Board of Directors for NACCAS.

Involved with AACS for more than 30 years, Phyllis Beasley was a member of the Board of Directors, Vice President, Convention Chair (1991), and Convention Co-Chair (1992-1993). She was in the beauty business for 53 years. Beasley graduated from the Marinello Beauty School in San Francisco, received education and training from M. Louis, Pivot Point, Lapin Brothers in California and others. She owned a salon for 13 years and owned beauty colleges in California for over 42 years. Beasley was a member of the California State Association for 35 years. She was President of CASC in 1971-72 and remained a board member for 25 years.

Mr. Thompson became President of NACS in 1983 and served in that capacity until 1985. He also served a five year term as Vice President of NACS (1978-83) and as a member of its Board of Directors (1974-78).

Served as President of NAACS from 1987- 1989. He also served the association as a director, historian and vice president.

A member of AACS since 1958, Arthur DeConcillis served two different two year-terms as director and six years as convention chairman and contest chairman for Alpha Sigma Chi, the student organization of AACS.

Served as Director and Vice President of Served as Director and Vice President of NACS from 1970-1981 and President of NACS from 1981-1983. He is past President of the Massachusetts Association of Cosmetology Schools; Founder and past President of the Massachusetts Association of Private Schools; he was an active school owner from 1955 until his retirement in 12011; Co-Chairman of the American Council on Cosmetology Education; recipient of the 1981 Man of the Year Award.

Pauline Gripaldi was actively engaged in the field of cosmetology education for more than 35 years; first as teacher and director of education at her own school in Newark, New Jersey and then as registrar, supervisor and director of education at a school in Dover, New Jersey.

Mr. Renner served as Director of NACS from 1968-1970, Vice President of NACS from 1970-1975 and President of NACS from 1975-1977. He also served as President of the Illinois Association of Cosmetology from 1968-1969.

Pauline Drace served as Director and Officer of NACS from 1972-1981. She also served as Chairman of the following NACS committees: Public Relations (2 years); Constitution and By-Laws (1 year); Membership (2 years); NACS Banner Membership (1 year). In 1977 she received the Woman of the Year Award.

Mr. Ehrlich served as the Attorney, Advisor and Washington Representative of the National Association of Cosmetology Schools (NACS) from 1967-1983.

William Kennedy served as director and officer from 1962- 1967, when he was elected President of NACS (1967-1969).

Ms. Gosnell served as NIC President from 1967-1968 and was the founder of National Cosmetology Testing under the auspices of NIC. Aurie Gosnell also conducted annual seminars for school owners and teachers in Columbia, South Carolina.

Served as Director and Officer of NACS from 1965-1977, Commissioner for CAC from 1975-1977 and President of NACS from 1977-1979.

During 1966-1967, Brown served as Director and Officer of NACS. He was elected to the association’s highest office, President, in October 1971 and served two terms.

Set up the program for the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Schools (NACCS) and served as its Executive Director from 1964-1965 and Chairman from 1966-1968. He also served as CAC Commissioner from 1969-1974, CAC’s first Vice-Chairman in 1975, Chairman for Allied Cosmetology Council of State Boards, Schools and Salons for three years, Chairman of NACCS Merger Committee, NIC Bulletin Editor-in-Chief for six years and member of the Arbitration Committee in the merger of NACS and All American in 1960.

Mr. Lorick was a co-founder of the National Association of Cosmetology Schools (NACS), and served as President pro tem from the initial meeting on November 24, 1956, until their first convention on May 19, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. It was there that he was officially elected president. Prior to this, Lorick had served as Director of the All American Beauty Culture Schools Associated (AABCSA) from 1953-1956. Lorick resigned and with the assistance of N.F. Cimaglia formed the National Association of Cosmetology Schools (NACS).

Mr. Ratner served NACS as Director and Officer from 1965-1973. He was elected President of NACS in 1973 and served until 1975.

A charter member of NAACS, Jay Gerber served as Officer from 1957-1960 and President from 1960-1962.

A charter member of NACS, Mr. Gripaldi served as officer and Director from 1958 until his election to the presidency of National Association of Cosmetology Schools, Inc. (1962-1964).

A charter member of NAACS, Sam Napers served as Director and Officer of the association from 1958-1964 and as its President from 1964-1966.