Advisory Council Voting is Now Open
Each year, PBA Manufacturer Members elect one (1) representative to the PBA Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes three Manufacturer representatives serving three-year terms. One term expires on December 31, 2026, and the newly elected representative will serve the Manufacturer Membership at large.
In accordance with the bylaws, the Nominating Committee reviewed all applicants and selected a slate of qualified candidates. Members were invited to apply through the PBA website, social media, and email.
Only the primary contact of current PBA Manufacturer Members may vote. A minimum of 12 votes is required to validate the election.
GIOVANNI PICONE
ALFAPARF GROUP | Williamsville, NY
Beauty Industry Experience
I bring more than 30 years of international leadership experience in professional beauty, with expertise in product development, sales, market strategy, business development, and executive leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with founders, CEOs, distributors, and salon partners to build strong relationships, drive growth, and develop long-term business strategies.
PBA Experience & Involvement
Since joining PBA in 2024, I’ve served on the Executive Task Force and Advisory Board, helping shape the PBA Executive Summit while expanding my involvement with the Beacon Program. I value the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to initiatives that strengthen and advance professional beauty.
Advisory Council Interest
I’m interested in serving on the Advisory Council because it provides an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, strengthen key PBA initiatives, and help advance the future of professional beauty. I look forward to contributing my experience while continuing to learn from others and supporting PBA’s mission.
Industry Priorities
I’d like to better understand the real impacts of deregulation on the beauty industry and contribute to conversations that help protect our profession. Serving on the Advisory Council would allow me to engage with PBA and industry leaders, participate in policy discussions, and help advance initiatives that strengthen the professional beauty industry.
*Incumbent
ASTON LaFON
18.21 Man Made | Austin, TX
Beauty Industry Experience
For nearly 30 years, I’ve helped develop brands, products, services, education, and business strategies that support salon professionals. My career has included introducing Lakmé to North America, representing leading professional brands, and co-founding Credible Culture and 18.21 Man Made. Growing up in a salon family taught me that professional beauty is built on craft, creativity, relationships, and service. My passion is helping salon professionals strengthen their craft, build successful businesses, and create fulfilling careers.
PBA Experience & Involvement
My relationship with PBA has grown alongside my career and my desire to give back to the industry. I’ve participated in PBA events, served on a PBA Task Force, and represented 18.21 Man Made during the inaugural PBA Beauty Pitch. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for PBA’s role in advocating for the profession, creating opportunities for education and connection, and moving professional beauty forward.
Advisory Council Interest
I’m interested in serving on the Advisory Council because I believe my experience across sales, education, distribution, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, brand building, and salon development brings a broad perspective to the conversation. I value collaboration and believe progress happens when people with different experiences work together to strengthen our industry. I would welcome the opportunity to listen, contribute, and advocate for the professional beauty community.
Industry Priorities
I’d like to see greater emphasis on preparing beauty professionals not only to master their craft but also to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Technical education is essential, but long-term success also requires business skills, financial literacy, client development, and adaptability. I hope to contribute my experience working with salons, brands, distributors, and retailers to help develop practical resources and educational initiatives that empower professionals to build stronger businesses and lasting careers.
DAVE FINISTAURI
Framar | Niagara Falls
Beauty Industry Experience
I’ve worked in professional beauty for the past 14 years, beginning as a distributor sales consultant and now serving as Director of Sales for Canada and the United States at Framar. During my career, I’ve also managed distributor sales across Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, giving me a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing our industry.
PBA Experience & Involvement
I’ve followed PBA’s work to elevate the professional beauty industry for the past decade. Since joining Framar in 2020, I’ve attended PBA networking events, webinars, and PBA Executive Summit to better understand where our industry is headed, learn from leaders both inside and outside the profession, and stay engaged with the conversations shaping its future.
Advisory Council Interest
I believe PBA can be a uniting force for our industry by bringing manufacturers, distributors, salons, and beauty professionals together. I’m interested in serving on the Advisory Council because I want to contribute to the conversations that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and help move our industry forward in a sustainable way.
Industry Priorities
I’d like to see greater modernization across our industry. While products and techniques continue to evolve, many outdated beliefs and practices remain. Serving on the Advisory Council would allow me to contribute to meaningful conversations that help our industry embrace change, overcome challenges, and continue moving forward together.
JOSH FARMER
J4 Insight, Inc. | Colorado
Beauty Industry Experience
I’ve worked in the professional beauty industry for 25 years, beginning my career with a professional beauty distributor before moving to the brand and manufacturing side of the business, where I’ve spent the past 18 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with independent distributors, multinational distributors, national chain accounts, and specialty retailers across North America. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on the industry and the opportunity to build strong relationships across every channel.
PBA Experience & Involvement
I’ve been involved with PBA for many years through the brands I’ve represented. I’ve attended PBA Executive Summit and other PBA events, supported PBA initiatives, and championed PBA Membership. I believe in the work PBA does to strengthen the professional beauty industry and welcome the opportunity to become more personally involved in supporting its mission.
Advisory Council Interest
I’m interested in serving on the Advisory Council because I believe in the work PBA is doing for our industry. Professional beauty has been my career for nearly 25 years, and serving on the Advisory Council would be an opportunity to give back while helping shape the future of the association and the profession.
Industry Priorities
I’d like to see greater licensing portability across the United States, stronger support for professionals entering the industry, and continued investment in salon owners. I believe improving career pathways, strengthening education, and supporting successful salon businesses will help create a stronger, more sustainable future for professional beauty.