Advisory Council Voting is Now Open
Each year, PBA Salon/Spa Members elect one (1) representative to the PBA Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes three Salon/Spa representatives serving three-year terms. One term expires on December 31, 2026, and the newly elected representative will serve the Salon/Spa 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 Salon/Spa Members may vote. A minimum of 11 votes is required to validate the election.
AMBER POPE
27 the Salon & 27 the Hair Lab | Mesa, AZ
Beauty Industry Experience
I have spent more than 20 years behind the chair as a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, mentor, and lifelong student of this craft. Alongside my husband, Chet, I own 27 the Salon and Hair Lab in Arizona, where we have built a culture rooted in passion, education, technical excellence, and developing people. In 2025, our salon was honored as PBA NAHA’s Inspiring Salon of the Year after three previous finalist nominations. My career has given me opportunities to educate nationally and internationally, work alongside industry brands and leaders, and advocate for licensed professionals. At my core, I am still a hairdresser, and I remain incredibly optimistic about where we can take this profession next.
PBA Experience & Involvement
My relationship with PBA has evolved from Member and attendee to active volunteer, advocate, fundraiser, and champion of its mission. I have served on PBA Task Forces, supported Members through education and panel discussions, participated in PBA Beacon, PBA NAHA, and advocacy efforts, and looked for opportunities to connect PBA’s mission directly with professionals and communities. One of the most meaningful has been helping bring PBA CUT IT OUT® to Warped Tour, creating an opportunity to raise funds, build awareness around domestic abuse, and demonstrate the incredible heart of our industry.
Advisory Council Interest
I am interested in serving because I believe deeply in the future of this industry, and I want to have a hand in building it. The way professionals learn, build careers, choose workplaces, connect with clients, and define success is changing. I believe there is tremendous opportunity ahead if we are willing to listen, evolve, and build bridges between generations. I want to bring the perspective of someone who is actively employing and mentoring professionals, educating, running a salon, and working directly with the next generation. For me, serving on the Advisory Council is about using my voice in a space where ideas become action and helping ensure professional beauty remains a place where people can build extraordinary, sustainable careers.
Industry Priorities
I want to see a stronger bridge between entering the beauty industry and building a successful, sustainable career within it. We must improve how we mentor, educate, develop, and retain professionals by supporting access to education, strengthening the transition from school to salon, equipping owners to become better leaders, and showing the next generation that this can be a lifelong career filled with opportunity. I believe PBA is uniquely positioned to connect schools, students, professionals, salon owners, educators, and manufacturers around that shared responsibility. Serving on the Advisory Council would allow me to bring the perspective of an owner, stylist, educator, and mentor to those conversations and help turn them into resources, partnerships, and action.
HEATHER SPENCER
A Spencer Gellise Salon | Bay City, MI
Beauty Industry Experience
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 28 years and the co-owner of an employee-based salon in Michigan for the past 22 years. Throughout my career, I’ve grown from stylist to salon owner, educator, leadership coach, and speaker. In 2022, I retired from behind the chair to focus full-time on leading my salon, developing future leaders, and educating salon owners. As a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, I am passionate about helping beauty professionals strengthen their leadership, create healthy workplace cultures, and build successful businesses.
PBA Experience & Involvement
I became a PBA Member in 2023 and have appreciated the opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute to our industry. Since joining, I have facilitated a leadership workshop at Premiere Beauty, participated in panel discussions at Data Driven and America’s Beauty Show, and served on a PBA Salon & Spa Task Force. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to leadership, education, and service.
Advisory Council Interest
I am interested in serving on the PBA Advisory Council because I believe meaningful progress happens when experienced professionals come together to share ideas, listen to different perspectives, and work toward a common goal. I would be honored to represent the perspective of an employee-based salon owner while contributing thoughtful ideas, engaging in productive discussions, and supporting PBA’s mission to strengthen our profession.
Industry Priorities
I would like to see greater emphasis on leadership development for salon owners and managers. While our industry excels at technical education, many professionals step into leadership roles without the tools to build healthy workplace cultures, retain talented professionals, and create sustainable businesses. I believe stronger leadership will help attract and retain talent, elevate professionalism, and strengthen the future of our industry, and I’d welcome the opportunity to help develop resources and initiatives that support those goals.