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Lois Schoenbrun, CAE, FAAO
Executive Director
Lois is Executive Director of the Academy and the American Optometric Foundation, with responsibility for leading staff in carrying out the policies set by the governing bodies of each. Lois also works closely with the volunteer leadership in planning for the future of the organizations.
Lois has been with the Academy and AOF since June of 1996. She has thirty years of experience in executive leadership of medical and health-related associations, and has earned the Certified Association Executive designation. She earned her Academy Fellowship in 2000.
In her spare time, Lois practices and is an International Referee in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo. She has a son, 25.
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Darryl Beatty
Project Manager, Administration
Darryl has been with the Academy for four years working in Operations Support. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Political Science from Saint Louis University and International Studies from the University of North Texas. Darryl and his wife, Mary Ellen, moved with the Academy from Maryland to Orlando, and are enjoying the new found sunshine and southern pace. Darryl has a love for college basketball (Saint Louis and Marquette), Cubs baseball, and cars.
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Jenny Brown, MBA
Program Manager, Membership & Communications
Jenny has over eight years of nonprofit program and marketing experience gained from her work at the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center and the Boise State University Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies. She received a B.B.A. in Marketing from Boise State University and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing from the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband.
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Randy Consola
Office Manager
Graduated from Unity College in Unity Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in Park Management. Joined the Academy after a seven years with Children’s National Medical Center’s regional outpatient center in Rockville, MD for the Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology and the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders were I served as Office Manager.
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Dana Edwards, MLIS
Database Administrator
Dana joined the Academy with over 10 years of data management experience. She graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Information Studies and a MLIS in Information Studies with a concentration in Data Management. In her spare time, Dana enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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Richard Jones, CPA
Finance Director
Rich brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit financial experience to the organization. Prior to joining the Academy, Rich served as Chief Financial Officer for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He also has five years of public accounting experience. Rich received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and his CPA certification in 1989. In his spare time, Rich is a movie buff and enjoys reading and exercising.
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Sarah Kidd
Receptionist
Sarah joined us in 2012 as our receptionist and to assist with various office duties as the need arises. Away from the office, she is the proud mother of a very active 9-year-old daughter. In their spare time, Sarah and her fiancé love to travel.
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Jana Kurtz
Senior Director, Administration
Jana is in charge of all things administrative for the Academy. She has been with the Academy since 2003, although she took a break for about a year in 2009 – 2010. Jana’s entire work history reflects her love of administration and non-profits. Jana loves to cook, read murder mysteries, and spend time with her dog.
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Melissa Leuschel
Program Manager, Education
Melissa has worked within the educational field as an analyst and development specialist for both public and private educational companies and schools. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technical Education and Industry Training and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Technical Writing from the University of Central Florida.
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Betty Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant, Programs
Betty has joined the Academy as the Administrative Assistant of Programs, she possesses a unique combination of 18 years of hands-on non-profit experience and a thorough understanding of office management. Betty has a passion for helping others. Her involvement in the philanthropy arena has made her an avid donor and supporter to various charities. Betty is an honorary member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a member of the American Psychology Association. She received a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College and is pursuing her Master’s degree.
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Betty Taylor, CEM
Exhibits Manager
Betty is responsible for the entire exhibits program, including exhibit sales, logistics and exhibitor relations. Betty has been with the Academy since 2006. She has been in the tradeshow meeting industry for 17 years, including 9 years with Hargrove, Inc., serving in several different capacities and contributing to the growth of their very successful trade show division. On a personal side, Betty has an Irish heritage: her father is from Co. Kerry and her mother is from Co. Galway. Betty is married and is a very active sports mom with ice hockey and fast-pitch softball at the top of the list. Betty resides with her family in Ellicott City, MD.
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Chhay Tyong
Bookkeeper
Chhay has been with the Academy since July 2009 and is committed to developing his skills in finance. Previously, he worked at Marlo Furniture in the following positions: Accounts Receivable, Account Payable and, finally, Payroll. Chhay was in the army for 8 years. In his spare time, Chhay enjoys working out, sports, music and any outdoor activities. His favorite hobby is fishing.
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Helen Viksnins, MEd, FAAO, CAE
Senior Director, Programs
Helen is in charge of Education, Membership and Communications programs. She has been with the Academy since 1999 in a variety of capacities. Helen's educational background includes a BSFS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, an MEd from George Washington University in Human Resource Development, and a Certificate in Critical Languages from Western Michigan University in the Latvian language. She previously worked for the Peace Corps as the Country Desk Officer for North and Central Europe. In her personal time, Helen sings as a part of a Latvian folk ensemble, Sudrabavots, enjoys gardening and playing with her nephews.
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American Optometric Foundation |
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Mark A. Bullimore, MCOptom, PhD, FAAO
Development Director
Mark received his Optometry degree and PhD in Vision Science from Aston University in Birmingham, England. He spent 8 years at the University of California Berkeley and 15 years as a professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry where he taught geometric and ophthalmic optics. His research interests include myopia, low vision and refractive surgery, and he received a number of grants from the National Eye Institute.
From 1996 to 2004 he was Editor of the Academy's journal, Optometry and Vision Science. He is an Associate Editor of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, a former member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery and has served on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Ophthalmic Devices Panel. Mark served as Foundation President from 2005 to 2008 before assuming the role of Development Director.
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Tracy Kitts
Foundation Coordinator
Tracy attended the University of Toledo and The Ohio State University with a primary focus on Strategic Communications. She has over 27 years in the optical field in a variety of diverse roles including Optician, lab technician, retail optical manager, BV&Peds office manager and research coordinator. Her clinical trial coordinator experience includes multiple Amblyopia Treatment Studies (ATS) developed by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), the US Pirenzepine Study Group, Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT), and the Study of the Progression of Adult Myopia (SPAM). Tracy has served as Chair of the Staff Advisory Committee at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and is a two-time recipient of the college's Research Staff Award.
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Optometry and Vision Science (OVS) Journal |
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Kurt Zadnik
Managing Editor
Kurt A. Zadnik has been the Managing Editor of Optometry and Vision Science since 1996. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in horticulture and has extensive experience in the areas of California native plants and cacti and succulents. His is an avid hobbyist with expertise in gardening and woodworking. He lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, 2011-12 Academy President, Karla Zadnik. They have two daughters, Andra (27) and Nina Marie (22).
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