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. Some of OWA's committees (such as the Executive, Finance, Nominating, and Professional Development Fund Committees) are invite-only.
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)
Associate Chair: Nicole Joli (Visionworks)
Communications & Website Committee Members: Heather Bethel (National Vision Inc.), Kelly Cai (Barti Software, Inc), Robyn Campbell (EyeMed Vision Care), Lisa A. Fromm, ABOC, NCLC (Independent), Angela Gerber (The Marketing Apothecary), Allie Glick (ClearVision Optical), Nicole Graham (LensCrafters | Luxottica Retail), Nicole Joli (Visionworks), Sarah Lee (Barti), Madalyn Moeller (ClearVision Optical), Courtney Myers (Red Havas), Tracy Neal (GPN Technologies), Guilia Redavid (EssilorLuxottica), Lindsay Romah (Luxottica), Debra Seigel (VSP Optics), Susan Shafer (VSP Vision), MEGAN SMART (LUXOTTICA), Jacqueline Thomas (NA), Jennifer Trakhtenberg (ClearVision Optical), 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)
Associate Chair: Katherine Cruz (Silhouette Optical, Ltd.)
Connection & Enrichment Committee Members: Justine Brown (GPN Technologies), Kelly Connor (IDOC, LLC), Barbra Dey (Dey Ophthalmic Consulting), Carissa Dunphy (PECAA), Mary Lanning Jones (Zyloware Eyewear), Rachel Meyer, EdD, PMP (VSP Vision Care), Karen Michaelson (KARE Consulting, LLC), Deborah Myres (Visual Inspirations, LLC), Kristen Reynolds Hopper (VSP), Tatiana Stewart (VSP Vision), Bonnie Whitfield (The Vision Council)
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.
Co-Chair:
Trudi Charest (Marketing4ecps)
Co-Chair:
Kerri Ann Raimo (PentaVision, Eyecare Business)
Vice Chair: Mikki Collins (Safilo)
Vice Chair: Reagan Colpitts (Safilo Group)
Associate Chair: Kayla Ashlee (Spexy)
Digital Marketing Committee Members: Jessica Anderson (The House of Tom Davies), Madeline DeHaas (Spexy), Kaitlyn Dias (WestGroupe), Carissa Dunphy (PECAA), Jennifer Gill (Eyetastic Services), Shweta Gupta (EssilorLuxottica), Katie Horan (Safilo), Jill Kielas (Tom Davies), Kristin Kunkel (Silhouette), Amanda Parizo (Safilo/Smith Optics), Alyssa Pirbhai (IDOC), Amanda Pope (Safilo), Brandy Yeack (Valley Eye Care)
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:
Beverly Bianes, OD (Pack & Bianes Vision Care part of Total Vision)
Co-Chair:
Courtney Myers (Red Havas)
Events Committee Members: Laura Dorris (PECAA), Catherine Firman (GPN Technologies), Victoria Hallberg (Digital Optometrics), Mollie Tavel Kaback (Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care / City 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: Benitha Mintz (Zyloware Corporation), Manali Patel (The Vision Council)
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:
Liz Friedfeld (ClearVision Optical)
Co-Chair:
Erika Plank (VSP Vision)
Vice Chair: Bidisha Rudra (Essilor of America)
Vice Chair: Kathie Sapnas (Luxottica)
Membership Committee Members: Jill Fine (Liberty Sport), Shelley Logan (WestGroupe), Ashlee Medart (formerly) Queathem (EssilorLuxottica), Benitha Mintz (Zyloware Corporation), Amy Moore (The McGee Group), Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus (Visionary Insights), Alexis Snell (ABS Consulting), Kristy Stone (PECAA), Manisa Wozniak (Hoya Vision Care - Lewisville, TX)
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: Debra Bulken (Luxottica)
Vice Chair: Robyn Crimmins (VSP)
Nominating Committee Members: Marge Axelrad (Jobson Optical Group), Maureen Cavanagh (Safilo), Tiara Claxton (Thelios), Ann E. Englert (Solutions), Lorinda Fraboni (Crescent Moon Photography, LLC), 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:
Megan Molony (National Vision)
Co-Chair:
Christina Perraud (MyEyeDr.)
Professional Development Fund Committee Members: Talia Bruno (De Rigo REM), Meera Dua (AEG Vision), Stephanie Franke (De Rigo REM), Gretchen Oldt (EJOC), Amanda Shapiro (Europa Eyewear)