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

	Don Frey President/CEO Don has over 35 years of experience in the Personal Care and Cosmetics business. His professional experience has spanned many companies and brands, both large and small, including Procter & Gamble, Cover Girl, Gillette, Jafra Cosmetics, Avon, Method, and The Honest Company. Don has been active in industry nonprofit organizations, having served in volunteer leadership roles at IBA, Beauty Industry West, and Cradle2Cradle. Don has been leading the Independent Beauty Association since 2022.
	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.
	Akemi Ooka Vice President of Global Supply Chain & Sustainability Resources 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 now leads IBA’s Global Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources programming, education, and advocacy.
	Eber Bodmer Vice President of Marketing & Communications Eber Bodmer, an immigrant from South Africa, believes in change leadership and celebrates diversity. With a background in the prestige cosmetic industries, she has worked for LVMH, L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, AmorePacific, L’Oreal, and Malin + Goetz in marketing, sales, events and communication capacities. Bodmer has a Graduate Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing Management and a Cosmetology License. She dreams of helping build great beauty brands and is passionate about anything consumer product goods-related!
	Fiona Pestell Director, Strategic Operations Fiona Pestell is a servant leader with an accomplished career of 15+ years delivering sustainable results and operational success across various industries, including non-profit management and luxury brand sales. Fiona leads business operations for IBA where her purpose is to serve the team while driving operational excellence and growth. Fiona is a strong community and social services professional with a business mind and service heart who is passionate in advocating for innovation and change.
	Caroline Santayana Interim Director of Membership and Sponsorship Caroline Santayana brings over 7 years of experience working with constituent-based charitable nonprofits and over a dozen trade associations. She holds a BA in International Development and now oversees IBA’s administrative needs.
	Reema Patel Export Manager 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 Manager, overseeing the Certificate Program and supporting members with smooth international expansion.
	Stormy Lyons Marketing and Communications Coordinator Stormy Lyons brings five years of experience working with B2B marketing agencies and a passion for understanding how people communicate with one another. She holds a BA in Global Communications and now implements IBA’s marketing and communication activities.
	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.
	Stacie Whittaker Export Program Assistant Stacie served in the United States Air Force for a decade. She brings a breadth of experience working in patient administration and on-boarding and is working toward a BA in Organizational Management. Stacie now helps administer IBA’s Export Program and communications.