Our Staff

Our staff includes veteran industry experts who offer personalized, concierge-level support to our members for support when needed. IBA goes the extra mile to help its members succeed. Please contact us with questions about IBA membership benefits, programming, or to get more involved in IBA.

 Learn about our commitment to our members

Meet the Team

	Dr. Akemi Ooka Interim CEO Dr. Akemi Ooka has a Ph.D. in Chemistry and over 20 years in the CPG industry, from Fortune 500 companies to small startups. Akemi’s experience ranges from product development to sourcing and supply chain transformation at companies including J.R. Watkins, method, and The Clorox Company. Akemi previously served as IBA’s VP of Global Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources.
	Meredith Petillo Vice President of Technical-Regulatory Affairs Meredith Petillo brings over 15 years of experience in cosmetic regulatory affairs, legal advertising claims, product testing and product development to support IBA member companies with regulatory and technical solutions to grow and thrive. She holds a BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and an MS in Regulatory Affairs for Drugs, Biologics & Medical Devices. Meredith leads IBA’s Technical and Regulatory programming, education, and advocacy.
	Liz Gill Director of Business Development A beauty industry veteran with 25 years of experience,  Liz has worked in various sectors of the beauty industry including color cosmetics, home fragrance, professional beauty distribution, and contract manufacturing focused on start-up brands.  Passionate about all things beauty, she has a unique perspective on the needs of different company types within the industry due to her professional background.  Liz looks forward to working with IBA members for a personalized experience, ensuring that all meaningful services and membership benefits are maximized by each member.
	Reema Patel Director, Export Program Reema Patel’s regulatory affairs experience ranges from the global cosmetics-drug industry, human subjects research, and clinical investigation. Reema holds a Master’s in Public Health. She is now IBA’s Export Certificate Director, overseeing the Certificate Program and supporting members with smooth international expansion.
	Neva Lindell Associate Program Coordinator Neva holds an MBA and a BS in Journalism. Her experience has focused on smaller organizations, including entrepreneurial for-profits and a variety of nonprofits, including serving as a nonprofit board member. Neva supports the Export Program and communications.
	Malia Hernandez Document Specialist Malia Hernandez is a seasoned professional in business administration and management, with a background in compliance, marketing, and sports entertainment. Malia handles the end-to-end processing of export documentation to the Export Certificate Program.
	Ryan Nelson Director of Communications Ryan joined IBA from the trade press space where he covered policy, regulatory and commercial developments in the cosmetics and personal care industries, among other life sciences sectors, for 20 years As Editor-in-Chief of HBW Insight, he collaborated frequently with IBA and its members on projects to highlight independent beauty business interests and experiences amid growing regulatory, sustainability and operational pressures