THE VISION COUNCIL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Market Research & Analytics
Alysse is responsible for establishing data management systems and policies to enable complex analysis of large data sets, developing robust market modeling sources and systems, and communicating relevant insights that can contribute to actionable and strategic business recommendations.
Prior to joining The Vision Council, she served as a Data Fellow with the Strategic Data Project at the Center for Education Policy and Research at Harvard University. During the two-year fellowship, she worked with an urban school district to help build their data analysis capacity and improve their data visualization and reporting. Henkel launched her career at Goodwill Industries International, where she spent 10 years leading efforts to overhaul the organization's national data collection and reporting systems and creating new opportunities to analyze the impact of the organization's programs and services. Henkel holds an undergraduate degree in anthropology, sociology, and German from Lafayette College and a master's degree in public policy from George Washington University.
Job Titles:
- Creative Director
- Project Coordinator
Amy is responsible for the design and layout of The Vision Council's internal and external communications, both print and electronic. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in graphic design from James Madison University and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and watching Washington Nationals baseball.
Ashley brings over 20 years of progressive trade association management, marketing and leadership experience to The Vision Council. Ashley returned to The Vision Council as the vice president of trade shows & meetings in January 2016 after serving as The Vision Council's director of marketing & shows from 2003-2006. A graduate of The University of Maryland, Ashley lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her two children, husband and dog.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Transitions Optical ( Marketing & Communications Committee Chair )
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Member Communications
Previously the Communications and Community Affairs Supervisor at Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc., (CHELCO), Bonnie brings more than 10 years of marketing and communications experience to The Vision Council. In her new role, she will interface directly with members to improve benefits access, grow engagement and more.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
Brian is responsible for all of The Vision Council's business operations including fiscal activities, facilities management and internal administration. A retired military officer, he holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Grinnell College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University. He enjoys landscaping, sporting events and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Hoya Vision Care ( Lens Division Chair )
Job Titles:
- Administration and Database Coordinator
- in 2023 As the Administration and Database Coordinator
Candice joined The Vision Council in 2023 as the Administration and Database Coordinator. She is responsible for ensuring membership data integrity and serves as the main point of contact for our "Opening Your Eyes" Scholarship. She holds a Business degree from the University of Alabama and enjoys spending time with her son, dog, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Chelsea brings extensive leadership experience in public relations, marketing and events for global luxury brands and national non-profit organizations to her role at The Vision Council. With a proven ability to work collaboratively and intuitively, her innovative strategies and practical initiatives consistently support holistic messaging designed to engage and inspire key internal and external stakeholders. Previously at Swatch Group and the National Restaurant Association, and a graduate of the University of Miami, Chelsea enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and asking ‘why'.
Chris acts as the web projects specialist for The Vision Council by ensuring that all communications and member initiatives are carried out effectively via thevisioncouncil.org. He focuses on introducing new content as well as managing new features and functionality for members. Chris has been involved with The Vision Council since 2007 and worked closely with the Marketing and Communications team during the rebranding of The Vision Council in both 2008 and 2020.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Wisconsin Vision ( Optical Retail Division Chair )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Optical Management Assoc. ( Government & Regulatory Affairs Committee Chair )
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Low Vision Division Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice - Chair of the Board of Directors
- Vice - Chair of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Zyloware Eyewear ( Program Committee Chair )
Jim serves as general counsel for The Vision Council. He is an experienced trial lawyer who specializes in representing trade associations and nonprofit groups in corporate, nonprofit tax, employment and antitrust matters. Prior to entering private practice, he served as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. He received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. His current practice areas include Association and Nonprofit Organizations, Corporation and Business Law, Employment and Labor Law, and Litigation.
Jose joined The Vision Council as a staff accountant in March 2018. He supports the finance department with accounts receivable and payable as well as ensuring payments and invoices are processed in a timely manner. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Strayer University, Washington D.C. and brings over ten years of experience in nonprofit organizations to The Vision Council.
Job Titles:
- Federal Affairs Counsel
- Senior Policy Advisor at Venable
Josh Finestone is a Senior Policy Advisor at Venable and serves as federal affairs counsel to The Vision Council. He has more than 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the private sector, where he advocates for client interests regarding public policy. His knowledge, experience, and relationships with Congress members and staff, regulators, and influencers outside of government enable him to advise and guide clients through the executive branch, legislative and agency policymaking processes.
Job Titles:
- Immediate past Chair
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Kayleigh supports the Marketing and Communications team by assisting with public relations and communications initiatives, including drafting press releases and talking points; formatting presentations; and working directly with trade media. She graduated from Shippensburg University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Political Science.
Korey serves the Market Research team through data collection, exploration, statistical analyses, and report writing. Prior to joining the team, Korey worked primarily in higher education supporting institutional research at various state and private institutions. He holds an undergraduate degree in psychological science and a master's degree in cognitive and social processes from Ball State University.
Job Titles:
- Data and Analytics Manager
Stevens is responsible for developing The Vision Council's new market model and reports and creating interactive data tools for The Vision Council's members. Prior to joining The Vision Council, Stevens worked as a Data Scientist at the Kentucky Center for Statistics. He earned his BA from Anderson University and his MS in Analytics from Bellarmine University.
Lisa manages and maintains The Vision Council's association management system and other database resources. She enjoys shopping, reading and spending time with family.
Manali is responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting and reporting activities. She is involved in supporting presentations for the Finance Committee and ensures that The Vision Council has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. Manali holds a Master of Science degree in accounting from Gujarat University, Gujarat, India and became a Certified Public Accountant in 2012. She brings over ten years of experience in nonprofit organizations to The Vision Council.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- FGX International ( Sunglass & Reader Division Chair )
- Voting Ex Officio Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- EssilorLuxottica ( EOL Committee Chair )
Job Titles:
- Vice President Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs
Michael represents the viewpoint of the Lens, Lab and Lens Processing & Technology Divisions and interacts with the individual members to understand their unique perspectives and concerns. He also works with members to develop and execute programs as well as find solutions to meet their business challenges. Michael brings more than four decades of industry experience to The Vision Council and is also a North Carolina Licensed Optician, NCLE Certified and has an ABO Masters in Ophthalmic Optics. He is also the Secretariat for ANSI ASC Z80, the US TAG Leader to ISO TC172/SC7 for Ophthalmic Optics and Chairman ISEA/ANSI Z87.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Trade Shows and Meetings, Eyewear & Accessories Division Liaison
- Vice President of Trade Shows, Eyewear & Accessories Division Liaison
Mitch brings almost 30 years of optical industry experience to his role at The Vision Council. His great understanding of the needs and perspectives of member organizations helps drive the future of Vision Expo East and West as well as The Vision Council's member shows and meetings. Previously, he served as CEO of Mondottica USA and CEO of Viva International Group. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Mitch enjoys following Terps basketball as well as skiing and playing bocce.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- IT Counsel, Dataprise
Nabil joined The Vision Council as a consultant in 2014. He started as a network engineer in 2008 and currently serves as a virtual CIO consultant who helps small to mid-sized businesses align IT strategies with business goals. Nabil holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University and is ITIL Certified with over 20 years of experience in IT operations and management. In his spare time, Nabil serves as Volunteer Deputy Chief at the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Director of Member Services
Nathan is responsible for expanding and improving member engagement, new member onboarding, membership communications and member benefit programs and initiatives. He joined The Vision Council in December 2019 supporting the Thing About Your Eyes program. In May 2020, he took on leadership of The Vision Council's market research programs and contributed to the launch of the new inSights Research Program. Prior to joining The Vision Council, he led global strategic marketing for the specialty coatings and optical materials businesses at PPG Industries. While at PPG, he served as a member and chairman on The Vision Council's Marketing & Communications Committee. He has ecommerce experience from his time at American Eagle Outfitters, and he was introduced to the optical industry while managing the Transitions Optical trade advertising and promotional campaigns for FSC Marketing Communications. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business and communications from Grove City College.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager
- Senior Manager, Government Relations
Omar is the senior manager of government relations, leading the association's advocacy to state and federal policymakers on issues of importance to the optical industry and members. Omar has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The Ohio State University, and a Masters in elections and campaign management from Fordham University. In his free time, he enjoys reading and gardening.
Job Titles:
- Regulatory Affairs Counsel
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Ocuco ( Lens Processing & Technology Division Chair )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Eyewear Designs ( Eyewear & Accessories Division Chair )
Steven Hawson, SPHR, is responsible for the Human Resource functions at The Vision Council. He holds a B.A. degree from New College of Florida, an M.A. in Spanish Translation from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and an M.B.A. from Jones International University. Steven has 20+ years of HR experience and has served in a variety of HR capacities throughout his career. In his spare time, Steven enjoys performing on the classical guitar, studying new languages, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Government Relations Coordinator
Taylor plays a vital role in representing the interests of The Vision Council among members, government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders. She works closely as part of the Government Relations (GR) team to develop and implement strategies that support The Vision Council's mission and the interests of our members in relation to legislative and regulatory issues. She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a minor in general business. In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading and shopping.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Schroeder Optical ( Lab Division Chair )
Tom Schroeder, Schroeder Optical (Lab Division Chair)
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Manager
Tori supports the Marketing and Communications team by implementing integrated communications strategies to engage a wide variety of member and consumer audiences and stakeholders. She is responsible for maintaining relationships with trade media, leads social media strategy, and supports marketing efforts through events. Tori brings extensive communications experience within the association and nonprofit environment, including media relations, content creation and coordination, social media strategy, donor relations, and event management. In her free time, Tori enjoys cooking, crocheting, and completing crossword puzzles in pen.