Do you want to . . .
We have just the thing for you . . . VOLUNTEER! Become an OWA insider by joining a committee.
Catch the spirit of volunteerism — it will pay big dividends! To express interest in a committee, update your profile and check the appropriate box(es) under Committee Interest.
If you are an OWA member and wish to contact a Committee Chair, please login in order to view their email addresses. Otherwise, if you are not an OWA member and wish to contact a Committee Chair, please contact us so that we may handle your request.
There is a place for you on these committees:
The Communications & Website Committee creates the OWA newsletters, communications pieces, and more. If you love to write, interview industry leaders, research relevant industry topics or have always wanted to try, this group may be great for you.
Chair: Katherine Lauver (GPN Technologies)
Vice Chair: Carissa Dunphy (PECAA)
Vice Chair: Angela Gerber (The Marketing Apothecary)
Communications & Website Committee Members: Kelly Barreiro (The Optic Siren), Lynne Becker (Power of Patients), Heather Bethel (National Vision Inc.), Yvette Carranza (Digital Vision, Inc.), Mikki Collins (The House of Tom Davies), Lisa A. Fromm, ABOC, NCLC (Independent), Allie Glick (ClearVision Optical), Nicole Graham (LensCrafters | Luxottica Retail), Nicole Joli (Visionworks), Sandra Mohr (NECO), Courtney Myers (Red Havas), Tracy Neal (GPN Technologies), Nicole Pine (GPN Technologies), Kristen Reynolds Hopper (VSP), Lindsay Romah (Luxottica), Debra Seigel (VSP Optics), MEGAN SMART (LUXOTTICA), Jacqueline Thomas (De Rigo Rem), Irina Yakubin (The Omniverse City, My Eye Care Team)
Perfect for those who like to share their knowledge and grow professionally from the professional insight provided by fellow members, the Connection & Enrichment Committee is always looking for help creating the One-Minute Mentor blasts.
Co-Chair:
Janna Neal (Zyloware)
Co-Chair:
Tamara Sanders (EssilorLuxottica)
Vice Chair: Susan Ludwick (EyeCare Services Partners)
Vice Chair: Erika Plank (VSP Vision)
Connection & Enrichment Committee Members: Beverly Bianes (Pack & Bianes Vision Care part of Total Vision), Kelly Connor (IDOC, LLC), Katherine Cruz (Silhouette Optical, Ltd.), Stephanie Espinosa (Luxottica), Mary Lanning (Zyloware Eyewear), Rachel Meyer, EdD, PMP (VSP Vision Care), Karen Michaelson (KARE Consulting, LLC), Sandra Mohr (NECO), Deborah Myres (Visual Inspirations, LLC), Kristen Reynolds Hopper (VSP)
Do you speak marketing, branding, and social media? Think you can apply your marketing prowess and help the OWA make an even bigger mark on the industry? If so, the Digital Marketing Committee is calling your name. This committee is charged with infusing new excitement into the overall online presence of the OWA, and keeping that excitement alive throughout the year. The goal is to make sure that everyone that interacts with the OWA online gets a real feel for what the association is about and why they should get involved.
Chair: Trudi Charest (Marketing4ecps)
Vice Chair: Reagan Colpitts (Safilo Group)
Vice Chair: Kerri Ann Raimo (PentaVision, Eyecare Business)
Associate Chair: Mikki Collins (The House of Tom Davies)
Digital Marketing Committee Members: Jessica Anderson (The House of Tom Davies), Kayla Ashlee (Spexy), Kelly Barreiro (The Optic Siren), Kaitlyn Dias (WestGroupe), Carissa Dunphy (PECAA), Jennifer Gill (Eyetastic Services), Shweta Gupta (Essilor Of America), Jill Kielas (Tom Davies), Kristin Kunkel (Silhouette), Amanda Pope (Safilo), Amanda Velueta (Safilo/Smith Optics)
If you love the networking socials and professional development seminars and want to keep these events packed with a wide variety of optical professionals, the Events Committee may be a good fit. The committee organizes networking events, Connection Series professional development seminars, and more, covering the logistics behind the planning of a successful event.
Co-Chair:
Laura Dorris (PECAA)
Co-Chair:
Courtney Myers (Red Havas)
Vice Chair: Beverly Bianes (Pack & Bianes Vision Care part of Total Vision)
Events Committee Members: Catherine Firman (GPN Technologies), Victoria Hallberg (Digital Optometrics), Mollie Tavel Kaback (Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care / City Optical), Kayla Worthy (Transitions Optical)
The Finance Committee's purpose is to provide financial oversight, financial planning, and growth strategies that will offer the OWA the financial stewardship necessary to fulfill its mission of serving more women in the optical industry.
Chair: Ashley Mills (The Vision Council)
Finance Committee Members: Erika Jurrens (ABB Optical Group), Benitha Mintz (Zyloware Corporation), Manali Patel (The Vision Council), Sue Wetzel (VSP)
Do you want to be sure that the OWA remains a growing, vibrant group? The Membership Committee develops new ways to keep our membership coming back for more.
Co-Chair:
Jan Cory (Lucyd)
Co-Chair:
Liz Friedfeld (ClearVision Optical)
Vice Chair: Bidisha Rudra (Essilor of America)
Vice Chair: Kathie Sapnas (Luxottica)
Membership Committee Members: Jennifer Boyles (VSP), Rimma Grempel (Essilor), Jill Kielas (Tom Davies), Shelley Logan (WestGroupe), Joanna Mack (Hilco Vision), jillian Marro (Marchon), jillian Marro (Marchon), Ashlee Medart (formerly) Queathem (EssilorLuxottica), Benitha Mintz (Zyloware Corporation), Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus (Visionary Insights), Teresa Sebastian (Eye Recommend), Jennifer Stewart (OD Perspectives), Jennifer Strong (VSP Optics Group), Jacqueline Thomas (De Rigo Rem)
The right leadership can make or break a group, particularly one that is made up solely of volunteers. The Nominating Committee thoughtfully considers each nomination for board positions and encourages members to take a more active role in the directing of the OWA by accepting leadership positions.
Chair: Robyn Crimmins (VSP)
Vice Chair: Tiara Claxton (Thelios)
Nominating Committee Members: Marge Axelrad (Jobson Optical Group), Debra Bulken (Luxottica), Maureen Cavanagh (Prive Revaux), Robyn Crimmins (VSP), Ann E. Englert (Solutions), Lorinda Fraboni (Independent), SHERRIE ROGERSON (EssilorLuxottica)
This committee ensures the future of the OWA by building partnerships with generous benefactors and creating the blueprint for the financial growth of the OWA.
Co-Chair:
Lorie L. Lippiatt, OD (MyEyeDr)
Co-Chair:
Megan Molony (National Vision)
Vice Chair: Christina Perraud (MyEyeDr.)
Professional Development Fund Committee Members: Talia Bruno (De Rigo REM), Stephanie Franke (De Rigo REM), Amanda Shapiro (Europa Eyewear)