ICA History

Its roots date from 1912, when a group of German hairdressers organized the “Internationale Gesellschaft der Damen-Coiffeure,” (IGDC). In April 1925, this German association was transformed into an international association with the addition of Swiss and English members at the first World Congress in Hamburg, Germany.

After the end of the war, the association moved its headquarters to Paris, reflecting that city’s post-war stature as the capital of the hairdressing world. During the first World Conference in 1925, the founders of what would grow into Intercoiffure Mondial adopted the pentagram or five-pointed star as its symbol. This iconic image represents Intercoiffure’s core values of honesty, reason, justice, reconciliation and diligence. The most basic prerequisite of membership has always been that an Intercoiffure member must be a salon owner of high moral and ethical character. Over time, the formal principles on which Intercoiffure is based have evolved to include fraternity, friendship, fashion and finance. These principles reveal the true benefit of membership—besides the cachet of belonging to the industry’s elite, members may count on the open sharing of knowledge and experience with their fellows.

In 1933, four young men in America pooled their resources to seek admission to the IGDC. Adolf Beicker of Philadelphia, Carl Griesser of Baltimore, Victor Herre of New York, and Emil Ludiche, also of New York, sought recognition for their talent from the European masters. That summer, they were granted membership and became the founding fathers of Intercoiffure America Canada.

The battle for inclusion was won, but the war for total acceptance continued until 1960, when Adolf Beicker assumed the presidency following Carl Griesser’s last presidential term. As president, Adolf Beicker doubled the membership in two years (from 55 to 110 members), introduced semi-annual meetings, publicized the association’s accomplishments, and built Intercoiffure America Canada into what is now one of the most influential sections of the world organization.

A new milestone was reached in 2007 with the election of ICA’s first woman president—Lois Christie of New York. As president, Ms. Christie has revitalized ICA’s events, launched the prestigious Haircolor Council and Makeup Council, and increased membership. In the spirit of ICA’s founders, the association welcomes talented, successful salon owners of high moral and ethical character to its ranks, to share the friendship, knowledge and creativity that have characterized Intercoiffure since its earliest days.

The Beginning

1912

Founding of Masters Ladies Hairdressing Union drawing members from Europe.

First World Congress held in Hamburg

1925

Intercoiffure America Canada Beginning

1933

Group from North America were given membership and founded Intercoiffure America

A Name Change

1946

Name of international group changed to Intercoiffure des Dames under the direction of famed hairstylist Guillaume

A Second Name Change

1946

Name of international group changed again to Intercoiffure Mondial (World). Fashion new incorporated as part of group’s philosophy

American chapter given full acceptance

1960

Now to be known as Intercoiffure America Canada (ICA)

Adolf Beicker, ICA President 1960-1967

1960

Under his direction, image building took priority. Also, the first organization fashion show was held in 1963 with Alexandre of Paris as guest artist. Subsequently, he met with hairdressing legend Vidal Sassoon, then a young unknown, and invited him to be guest artist at the Intercoiffure fashion presentation. In 1965, Intercoiffure introduced “the fall” and its fashion influence was reinforced.

Ralph Most – ICA president 1967-1975

1967

Under him, membership grew to more than 200 members. Also, the annual trends show traveled cross-country and the organization attended its first World Congress. During the seventies, too, joined forces with American fashion designers to tie hair trends to fashion trends. In 1969, the first Atelier took place, now an annual meeting of all members in New York City with the climax, a hair fashion trend presentation.

Roy Longhoffer – ICA President 1975 – 1980

1975

During his tenure, membership continued to grow. It was at this time that a Chairman of a Fashion Committee appointed to oversee the fashion impact expected of Intercoiffure. Also, at this time, the first American World Congress was held.

John Jay, ICA President 1980 - 2002

1980

Intercoiffure America Canada continued to hold its annual Atelier including the trend presentations to all members. It also maintained its position as a salon industry spokesperson presenting fashion forward concepts to its continually expanding membership.

Kenneth Anders, ICA President 2003 - 2006

2003

Under Mr. Anders’ presidency, Frederic Fekkai was appointed Fashion Director, reinforcing Intercoiffure’s image as a fashion forward presence for the salon industry. In 2005, Richard Calcasola was named North American Creative Director of Intercoiffure Mondial, global parent company, and responsible for shaping the perception of beauty with professionals and consumers world wide.

Lois Christie, ICA President 2007-2014

2007

Lois Christie was voted the first female President of Intercoiffure America Canada in 2007.

Frank Gambuzza, ICA President 2015 - 2018

2015

Frank Gambuzza voted in as the President of Intercoiffure America Canada in 2015.

Sheila Zaricor-Wilson, ICA President 2019 -

2019

Sheila Zaricor-Wilson voted in as the President of Intercoiffure America Canada in 2019.

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.