Nina Daily, chief marketing officer of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), will take the reigns as Executive Director on July 1st.

Steve Sleeper is retiring after more than 25 years in the industry—20 of which he spent in his current role as PBA's executive director. “Nina has shown incredible leadership and drive as CMO, combining her industry knowledge with her past experience, and is poised to lead the new era in growing the PBA,” he says. 

Sleeper is leaving 'big shoes' for Daily to fill. Under his leadership, PBA's membership growth and engagement rose 300% last year. In another milestone achievement, the PBA raised over $1.6 million for its Covid Relief Fund. 

Sleeper helped create the PBA that exists today when the Beauty & Barber Supply Institute, the American Beauty Association, The Salon Association, and the National Cosmetology Association joined forces. Over the years, he has worked with PBA’s volunteer Board of Directors and Leadership Councils to offer members business tools, education, advocacy, and more.

In an exclusive to Beauty Packaging Magazine, Nina Daily shares some insights about her plans for PBA's future.

Nina Daily Will 'Build Upon A Legacy'

What will it be like to follow in Sleeper's footsteps?  “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this great organization," Daily says.

Daily will focus on growing membership and communicating PBA's mission as a reliable, dependable industry resource. “I plan to continue Steve's legacy and build upon his successes. Membership growth remains a key priority; our industry is strongest when we are united together.”

Daily adds, "Our new strategy will leverage our strengths to create a holistic, integrated approach that best serves the needs of our members and the overall industry."

A New 3-Year Plan

Under Daily's leadership, PBA will kick off a new three-year strategic plan focusing on strengthening membership support, resources, and overall growth. Bob Meyers, general manager of its membership team, will lead a new development initiative based on a more integrated sales approach. It includes coming up with more innovative ways to do business, with limited resources. 

Sleeper comments, “The PBA is moving into the next three-year strategy with real momentum, but with the continued challenge of the Covid landscape. With large events still largely off-limits until at least Q3 of 2021, PBA will continue to adjust its budget to allocate resources to serve its members at the highest level possible—under Daily’s keen eye and Myer’s focus on integrated business development." 

Daily mentions a few of the changes she will implement. "The pandemic has forever left its imprint," she says. "In the past, our sales efforts were divided into two groups: membership and events. Going forward, our renewed focus will be an integrated approach including charities, sponsorship and education opportunities,” she explains. 

PBA had to pivot its strategy last year, quickly growing into a more engaging virtual community where its members could turn for all types of support, including its Covid Relief Fund. PBA also offers educational tools and resources, back-to-work programming, safety protocol guidelines, and more. 

'Connected By Passion, United By Beauty'   

Daily says she is honored to have the opportunity to lead PBA. She has been with the organization for nearly three years, and has over 20 years of business and marketing experience.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled..." she says. "I’m looking forward to leading a team of capable and committed professionals who are passionate about the professional beauty industry, and who together can help spark a new era of development for the PBA and the industry as a whole.” 

As a final comment, Daily adds, "I will continue to deliver on the vision to elevate this great organization—and unite the industry, as we are all connected by beauty and united by passion.”