Knighted in Paris: l’Ordre de la Chevalerie

August 9, 2022

FOLLOWING THE ELITE

“Intercoiffure is the keeper of our industry’s culture and history,” says Sheila Zaricor-Wilson, President of Intercoiffure America Canada. “We are the salon owners, we are the ones who know the greats, and we are the ones who have mentored others to follow our footsteps.”

The Order, like Intercoiffure itself, is full of history. Founded in 1972, members have been nominated every year to join the ranks, inviting legendary stylists like John Jay and Mario Tricoci to form the inner circle. The president of Intercoiffure America Canada chooses the nominees to be honored on a global level—and the criterion is quite simple, yet intangible—members must have served above and beyond what is expected of them when joining Intercoiffure.

A NIGHT IN PARIS

Following the nominations, the Chevalerie Committee reviews and approves criteria like the number of years involved with the organization, industry recognition, and the nominee’s contribution to Intercoiffure. Then, it’s off to Paris.

Every year, Intercoiffure hosts a global event to award the nominees to their new elevated status in the beautiful city of Paris, France. The ceremony itself is elegant—nominees and members are treated to a black-tie dinner and presentation, during which every country presents its theme and talent. This year, the pinning will be held on the river Seine, and the Haircutting Council, sponsored by Bumble & Bumble, will be representing America Canada on the stage.

“It is emotional to witness the commitment to our communities, to our countries, and to our industry,” says Sheila, “We are elevating the industry—and the world—together.”

Knighthood is only the first honor in l’Ordre de la Chevalerie. There are four grades, each with its own emblem, pin and diploma.

Knight

This award honors members who have provided exceptional service within the national organization of Intercoiffure. Nomination to the rank of Knight requires a minimum of three years of service within the membership. Only 94 members have been knighted in America Canada.

2022 Nominees: Scott Buchanan, Salvatore Minardi, Sam Brocato, Trish Storhoff, Karen Gordon, Chad Cantu, Frank Westerbeke, Stephen Moody, Daniel Kaner

Officer

This award is presented to a member who already holds a Knighthood and has performed additional merits in the following three years. Out of the 94 knights, 27 have been awarded Officer.

2022 Nominee: Perry Monge

Commander

This award is given after five years in the rank of Officer for new merits internationally. Currently, only 15 Officers have been elevated to Commander.

2022 Nominee: Adam Broderick

Adam Broderick—salon consultant, spa innovator, professional hair stylist, and 2022 Commander nominee.

Grand Cross

This award is presented to Commanders of at least five years who the Grand Master and the Council feel have contributed to the advancement of Intercoiffure Mondial. This highly exclusive honor requires at least 16 years active in the organization and has only been awarded to 2 members in America Canada—Ralph Most and Michael Kluthe.

SHAPING HISTORY—ONE KNIGHTING AT A TIME

Members of Intercoiffure do not serve to be knighted—rather, they serve and are knighted because of their excellence.

“Elevating your career to l’Ordre de la Chevalerie is a life-changing experience. When joining the ranks, you are welcomed with open arms, camaraderie, and endless appreciation for your service,” says Sheila. “The history of the order enables you to feel as if you are a part of something much bigger than yourself—and that echoes the goals of the beauty industry at large.”

Throughout even the toughest times in the beauty industry, Intercoiffure’s members have shared information, supported one another, and lifted each other up. Connection and collaboration are values that will never be lost—it is the very foundation of good business and friendship.

And that is, at the very core, the idea that l’Ordre de la Chevalerie is founded on—that when hairdressers, salon owners, and creatives come together to share the same ethics, the same passion, and the same desires, it is entirely possible to create a more beautiful world.

President and CEO
Southern Security Federal Credit Union

Dawn Graeter, President and CEO of Southern Security Federal Credit Union is an extremely accomplished, trailblazing finance executive who has led Southern Security to triple-digit growth since she took the helm in 2011. As one of the few female bank CEOs in the Greater Memphis area, Dawn has over 35 years in the finance and banking industry and has held almost every position there is as she worked her way from teller to CEO.

Dawn’s focus on the foundational pillars of people, community, and technology have ignited record-breaking results year after year and includes specific efforts for teamwork-building, employee relations, a genuine grassroots community outreach effort, and adopting technology solutions to provide greater functionality and service to customers. These efforts have increased the Southern Security full-time workforce by 37 percent and increased the annual net income of Southern Security by 127 percent poising Southern Security for even greater growth in the future. Dawn’s successes have not gone unnoticed as she was voted one of Power Poll Memphis’ Most Power People in 2023 and named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2012. Also, named University of Memphis Outstanding Alumna in 2019. Dawn and her team are proud that Southern Security has been named Best Credit Union by the readers of the Commercial Appeal for six years running.

Dawn works tirelessly to support professional and community organizations close to the industry and community she loves. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Confluent Strategies, which specializes in consumer credit, commercial and mortgage credit reporting, background checks, employment screenings and association management. She also serves on the board for the Tennessee Credit Union League whose mission is to promote and support the success and advancement of credit unions in the State of Tennessee. Dawn correspondingly serves on the board for Share One which serves credit unions across the country with a comprehensive core processing system named New Solutions. As a credit union service organization (CUSO), Share One designed New Solutions directly alongside credit union clients.

Recently, Dawn was asked to serve on the Le Bonheur National Leadership Council, on the Youth Program’s Inc. Captain’s Club, charitable foundation and host organization of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and the Board of Carnival Memphis, all benefiting local children and children’s charities.

Dawn previously served as chairman of the board for HopeWorks, an organization that offers jobs and support to the under-resourced and recently incarcerated working in conjunction with the Shelby County Department of Corrections Hope 2 Hire program. Her work with HopeWorks is what she is most proud of, helping train adults for vocational careers and life outside of the Department of Corrections system. Dawn has a real drive to help adults help themselves, to be able to provide for their families, and find a skill or career they are proud of every day.

Dawn has served on various nonprofit boards over the years including Leadership Millington, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-South American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Team. Dawn also served at the Greenshoe Gala, benefitting Shelby Farms.

Dawn gives back to her alma matter, the University of Memphis as she is serving as an Executive in Residence for the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, on the 901 Women’s Athletic Advisory Board, has served as a member of the University of Memphis Alumni Association from 2000-2003, serving as treasurer from 2002-2003. She continued her service as the University of Memphis Alumni Association President from 2004-2005 while also being a member of the Board of Visitors for the U of M. Dawn was a participant in the U of M Women’s Leadership Council and was chairman for Homecoming Golf Classic for the Alumni Association.

Southern Security Federal Credit Union and its employees support Mid-South Employee Resource Network, Big Brothers Big Sister of the Mid-South, Youth Villages, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, YWCA, American Heart Association, Keesha Warrior Princess, Collierville Education Foundation and many other local charities through monetary donations and volunteer efforts.