AOA Executive and Leadership Team

Albert Agboola, the Chief Executive Officer at AOA, directs the overarching strategic vision for the federation of optometric associations. Agboola manages the alignment of national policy with the needs of individual eye care practitioners across the country. By overseeing the integration of state and student associations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures a unified voice for the profession. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine advocacy efforts and expand the reach of optometric services. Albert Agboola maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and professional growth for all members. Through rigorous oversight of organizational resources, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the association. Agboola drives initiatives that elevate the standard of care provided by America's family eye doctors, ensuring that the organization remains the primary authority in vision health and professional advocacy.

Rebecca Hildebrand, the Chief Operating Officer at AOA, manages the daily administrative functions and operational infrastructure of the association. Hildebrand optimizes internal processes to support the federation of state and armed forces optometric associations. By streamlining resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that member services remain efficient and responsive to evolving industry demands. This role requires close coordination with executive leadership to implement policies that enhance organizational productivity. Rebecca Hildebrand monitors the execution of operational goals, ensuring that all departments function in harmony with the broader mission of the association. Through the implementation of scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of professional development programs. Hildebrand drives operational excellence, allowing the association to focus on the critical task of representing the optometry profession and maintaining high standards for eye and vision care across the nation.

Beth Thompson, the Auxiliary President at AOA, directs the activities and initiatives of the auxiliary branch within the optometric federation. Thompson manages the engagement of support networks that bolster the professional efforts of optometrists nationwide. By overseeing volunteer programs and community outreach, the Auxiliary President ensures that the association maintains a robust connection with the families and communities served by eye doctors. This role involves fostering collaboration between auxiliary members and the primary leadership to support the mission of the association. Beth Thompson coordinates events and educational programs that promote awareness of vision health. Through the mobilization of auxiliary resources, the Auxiliary President strengthens the grassroots impact of the organization. Thompson drives participation in national initiatives, ensuring that the auxiliary remains a vital component of the association's efforts to represent the profession and improve eye care outcomes for all individuals.

Justin Kwan, the President, Local Society (Chicago North Side) at AOA, directs the professional activities and member engagement for the Chicago North Side region. Kwan manages the local implementation of national optometric standards, ensuring that practitioners in this specific market adhere to the highest levels of care. By overseeing local meetings and educational seminars, the President, Local Society (Chicago North Side) fosters a collaborative environment for regional eye doctors. This role involves bridging the gap between national policy and the practical needs of local clinics. Justin Kwan coordinates with other regional leaders to share best practices and address specific market challenges. Through the promotion of professional development, the President, Local Society (Chicago North Side) strengthens the local network of the association. Kwan drives regional growth by advocating for the interests of local members and ensuring that the association's mission remains relevant to the specific needs of the Chicago area.

Nicholas Podpeskar, the President, Local Society (West Central) at AOA, directs the regional operations and member advocacy for the West Central society. Podpeskar manages the local network of optometrists, ensuring that the association's mission of comprehensive eye care is effectively communicated and practiced. By overseeing regional professional development and networking events, the President, Local Society (West Central) builds a cohesive community of eye care providers. This role involves addressing the unique operational challenges faced by practitioners in the West Central region. Nicholas Podpeskar coordinates with the national office to ensure that local initiatives align with broader organizational goals. Through the facilitation of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, the President, Local Society (West Central) enhances the clinical capabilities of local members. Podpeskar drives regional engagement by providing the necessary support and resources for optometrists to excel in their practice and serve their patients effectively.

Brian Moore, the President, Local Society (Mid-State) at AOA, directs the strategic activities and member relations for the Mid-State optometric society. Moore manages the local execution of association policies, ensuring that eye doctors in the region receive the support required to provide high-quality vision care. By overseeing regional advocacy efforts, the President, Local Society (Mid-State) ensures that the interests of local practitioners are represented at the state and national levels. This role involves organizing educational forums and professional gatherings that promote clinical excellence. Brian Moore coordinates with regional stakeholders to address the evolving needs of the optometry profession. Through the cultivation of a strong local network, the President, Local Society (Mid-State) fosters professional unity and collaboration. Moore drives regional impact by ensuring that the association's resources are effectively utilized to support the daily operations and long-term success of Mid-State optometrists.

Shawn Koehler, the President, Local Society (Starved Rock) at AOA, directs the professional engagement and regional operations for the Starved Rock society. Koehler manages the local implementation of association standards, ensuring that optometrists in the area maintain the highest quality of eye and vision care. By overseeing regional meetings and professional development opportunities, the President, Local Society (Starved Rock) creates a supportive environment for local practitioners. This role involves translating national association goals into actionable local strategies. Shawn Koehler coordinates with other regional leaders to address specific challenges within the Starved Rock area. Through the promotion of clinical best practices, the President, Local Society (Starved Rock) enhances the professional standing of local members. Koehler drives regional participation by ensuring that the association's mission is clearly understood and actively pursued by all optometrists within the Starved Rock society.

Vesna Simic, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) at AOA, directs the regional activities and member support for the Lake Mchenry society. Simic manages the local network of eye care professionals, ensuring that the association's mission is effectively integrated into regional practice. By overseeing local educational initiatives and networking events, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) fosters a strong sense of community among local optometrists. This role involves advocating for the needs of practitioners in the Lake Mchenry area and ensuring that national resources are accessible. Vesna Simic coordinates with the broader association to align local efforts with national standards. Through the facilitation of professional growth, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) strengthens the quality of vision care provided in the region. Simic drives regional success by ensuring that local members are well-equipped to meet the demands of their patients and the profession.

Haris Dzubur, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) at AOA, directs the regional operations and member advocacy for the North Suburban society. Dzubur manages the local implementation of association policies, ensuring that optometrists in the region provide comprehensive eye care to their patients. By overseeing regional professional development and community outreach, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) builds a strong professional network. This role involves addressing the specific needs of practitioners in the North Suburban area and ensuring that their voices are heard at the national level. Haris Dzubur coordinates with other regional leaders to share insights and best practices. Through the promotion of clinical excellence, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) enhances the reputation of the association within the region. Dzubur drives regional engagement by providing the necessary support and resources for optometrists to thrive in their practice and serve their communities effectively.

Deirdre Middleton, the Chief Communications Officer at AOA, architects the public relations and messaging strategy for the entire optometric federation. Middleton manages the dissemination of information regarding eye health and professional standards to both the public and the membership base. By overseeing digital and traditional media channels, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the association maintains a strong, authoritative presence in the healthcare sector. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the importance of comprehensive vision care provided by family eye doctors. Deirdre Middleton coordinates with regional societies to ensure consistent messaging across all levels of the organization. Through the development of targeted outreach campaigns, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the brand identity of the association. Middleton drives engagement by translating complex clinical information into accessible content, thereby reinforcing the value of optometry in the broader medical community.