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July 2016 : New Member Spotlight — Karen Hartman

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Courtney Myers
Courtney Myers
By Courtney Myers
(Member Spotlight)

New to the industry and new to the OWA, Karen Hartman joined Prevent Blindness in Chicago at the beginning of the year and joined the OWA in April. As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Prevent Blindness she is responsible for all finance and administration of the organization from investments and banking to human resources and employee benefits.

Karen Hartman

How did you find your way to the optical industry?
My recent professional experiences have been in the nonprofit sector. As I was starting to look for a new opportunity, a mutual friend introduced me to Hugh Parry, CEO of Prevent Blindness. After hearing of the mission of the organization and its history, I was sold!

What do you love most about your job?
Although I've only been at Prevent Blindness for a few months, our organization has been around for more than 100 years. Our nonprofit group was founded by two ophthalmologists in New York who were working to put an end to preventable blindness from a common condition at the time called "Babies' Sore Eyes." Prevent Blindness is primarily a public health organization and today, we work to save sight in all ages. I became part of the Prevent Blindness family to help further this important mission. It is rewarding to me to use my business and administrative skills to support an organization that has a positive impact on so many lives.

Who inspired you to join OWA?
While attending the Prevent Blindness Person of Vision dinner, honoring Michael Block this past April, a few members of the OWA were my dinner partners. Katherine Allen in particular helped me to learn about your great organization and I joined shortly thereafter.

What do you hope to get out of being an OWA member?
Since I am new to the optical industry, I am interested in learning more about it and am also looking forward to networking opportunities.

What do you love to do outside of optical?
I enjoy reading, taking long walks and spending time with my friends and family. My youngest will be starting college in the fall, so my husband and I will be empty-nesters, which is a bit scary to me at the moment I have to admit!





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