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Cosmetologists Chicago Elects New Board of Directors

Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting.

November 13, 2018
Cosmetologists Chicago Elects New Board of Directors

Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting.



Pictured left to right (front row): Karen Gordon, President; Robert Passage, Vice President; Lorrene Conino, Secretary; and Chris Damolaris, Treasurer. 



Pictured left to right (back row): Mireya Villarreal, Director; Kathy Jager, Director; Chris Valavanis, Director; and Larry Silvestri, Immediate Past President. Not pictured, Nick Stenson, Director. 

3 min to read


Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting. These salon owners and professionals volunteer their time and leadership to develop and to guide the association’s services to its 17,500+ members. Included among the many services are continuing education, legislative and regulatory representation, networking, scholarship funding and great networking among salon professionals.

One of the most important responsibilities of the Cosmetologists Chicago Board of Directors is the oversight of all facets of America’s Beauty Show. The 2019 Show will be held March 30 – April 1, 2019, at McCormick Place in Chicago. More than 80,000 cosmetologists, nail technicians, stylists, colorists, manufacturers and distributors from all over the world attend ABS every year to experience superior education and innovation in all aspects of beauty, as well as gain inspiration to take back to their businesses. 

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The Board of Directors of Cosmetologists Chicago for 2018-20 includes:

  • President – Karen Gordon, J. Gordon Designs, Chicago

  • Vice President – Robert Passage, Pivot Point International, Chicago

  • Secretary – Lorrene Conino, Salon Lorrene, Palatine, IL

  • Treasurer – Christopher Damolaris, Frank Gironda Salon & Spa, Naperville, IL

  • Immediate Past President – Larry Silvestri, Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, Chicago

  • Director – Chris Valavanis – Vanis Salon & Day Spa, Schererville, IN

  • Director – Kathy Jager – Kathy Jager & Associates / Pro’s 15110 Salon, Oak Forest, IL

  • Director – Mireya Villarreal, Pink Pewter, Bartlet, IL

  • Director – Nick Stenson, ULTA Beauty, Chicago, IL

“Cosmetologists Chicago is a forward-thinking, action-oriented network with an unlimited future that has a great history in the professional salon industry,” said newly installed CC President Karen Gordon. “I look forward to leaving a very positive impact not only on CC and ABS, but also on the future of our industry. I believe the best place to start is with our young professionals,” Gordon adds.

“It is through the dedication and continued support of our Board of Directors, all enthusiastic salon owners and professionals, that our association is able to effectively serve the needs of our industry,” said Paul Dykstra, CEO of America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago.  

“It is very exciting for the association that Karen will succeed me as president of CC,” said immediate past-president Larry Silvestri. “For years, she has been a strong asset to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and, especially, to the thousands of members of Cosmetologists Chicago.”

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Cosmetologists Chicago is an association of salon professionals, whose members include licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, salon owners and cosmetology students. In addition to Cosmetologists Chicago, the recently elected CC Officers and Board of Directors will also govern specialty groups including the International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) CIDESCO USA and the American Association for Esthetics (AAE).

Cosmetologists Chicago supports all salon professionals with opportunities to collaborate with their peers and to experience monthly education to advance careers through our FIRST MONDAYS educational events. CC supports all cosmetologists though the expansive America’s Beauty Show, March 30 – April 1, 2019. More information can be found at www.AmericasBeautyShow.com.

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