Professional Beauty Association Announces Strategic Expansion and Realignment of Government Affairs Team
Enhanced structure supports national momentum around the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts and strengthens unified advocacy for the industry.
January 26, 2026 (Scottsdale, AZ) — The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive trade organization representing the professional beauty industry, announced an expansion and realignment of its Government Affairs team to strengthen industry advocacy at a pivotal moment for licensed professionals nationwide.
As part of this strategic evolution:
- Myra Reddy, currently PBA’s Director of Government Affairs, will be elevated to Vice President of Government Affairs, where she will oversee national policy strategy, and legislative engagement, ensuring that the voice of the professional beauty industry is heard and represented in public policy.
- Kati Rapoza will advance into a newly defined Director of Advocacy and Industry Mobilization role, expanding her leadership across advocacy campaigns, stakeholder communication, and member engagement.
- Leslie Roste, a respected policy and safety expert well known through her impactful work with the Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition (FBIC) to develop and promote the Cosmetology Compact, will join PBA as Director of State Relations to help advance multi-state licensure initiatives, including both the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts. Her addition strengthens alignment and continuity across industry-wide government affairs efforts.
PBA CEO Leslie Perry emphasized that these changes reflect a commitment to building a unified, collaborative, and highly resourced advocacy structure.
“Our industry is at an inflection point,” said Perry. “As the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts continue to accelerate across the country, it is vital that we show up with one coordinated strategy, one voice, and one strong, aligned team. Elevating Myra and Kati, and welcoming Leslie, ensures PBA is positioned to deliver the leadership, expertise, and momentum needed right now.”
Gordon Logan, Chairman and Founder of SportClips and President of FBIC added, “Over the past three years, I have worked closely with Myra and Kati many long hours on the tip tax credit,
and they were tireless in their efforts to push it through. Their expanded roles are very well deserved. Leslie has been instrumental in developing the Cosmetology Compact on behalf of FBIC, and the success to date is due in large part to her efforts. Her move to PBA is well-timed so that she can continue to coordinate compacts for both Cosmetology and Esthetics. Our industry is stronger than ever thanks to the leadership of all three of these ladies.”
The new Government Affairs structure will allow PBA to streamline legislative strategy, increase state-level engagement, strengthen mobilization efforts, and bring clarity and coordination to
advocacy around the Compacts and other critical issues affecting licensed professionals.
Roste formally joined PBA on January 2, 2026.
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About the Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, independent stylists, students, distributors, and manufacturers to shape the future of the beauty industry. PBA keeps professional beauty professional—championing policies that protect the industry, providing trusted resources and education, and fostering a community built on connection, creativity, and growth. PBA is home to the North American Hairstyling Awards, Beacon Student Program, and Executive Summit, and supports beauty professionals in times of crisis through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable programs. Learn more at probeauty.org.
