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 United States. By overseeing the integration of student, armed forces, and state-level associations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures a unified voice for the profession. Albert Agboola drives initiatives that expand the influence of optometry within the broader healthcare landscape, focusing on legislative advocacy and professional standards. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the long-term viability of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of organizational resources, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for members to deliver superior vision care. Agboola maintains a focus on sustainable growth and the continued professional advancement of all members within the national network.

Rebecca Hildebrand, the Chief Operating Officer at AOA, manages the daily administrative functions and internal infrastructure of the association. Hildebrand optimizes the operational workflows that support the federation of state and student optometric groups. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach members efficiently across all regions. Rebecca Hildebrand executes the tactical plans required to maintain the headquarters in Missouri while supporting national outreach efforts. This role involves coordinating with department heads to improve service delivery and member engagement metrics. Through the implementation of scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the capacity of the organization to respond to evolving industry demands. Hildebrand monitors performance indicators to ensure that all operational activities align with the mission of supporting family eye doctors. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on organizational excellence and the seamless execution of all internal business objectives.

Krystina Eubanks, the President, Local Society (Southern) at AOA, directs regional engagement initiatives for optometric practitioners in the southern territory. Eubanks facilitates local networking and professional development opportunities that align with the national mission of the association. By overseeing regional membership growth, the President, Local Society (Southern) ensures that local eye doctors receive the support necessary for clinical success. Krystina Eubanks executes programs that address specific regional challenges in vision care delivery. This leadership role involves representing the interests of southern members to the national board and fostering collaboration among local practitioners. Through the promotion of best practices, the President, Local Society (Southern) strengthens the professional community within the region. Eubanks monitors local trends to provide actionable insights to the national leadership team. The President, Local Society (Southern) maintains a focus on building a robust, connected network of eye care providers dedicated to patient health.

Lonnie Williams, the President, Local Society (Central City) at AOA, manages the professional activities and member services for the central urban optometric community. Williams coordinates local educational events and advocacy efforts that support the broader goals of the association. By overseeing the engagement of practitioners in the central city, the President, Local Society (Central City) ensures that local members remain informed about national standards and legislative updates. Lonnie Williams drives initiatives that improve the quality of vision care services within the urban environment. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between local members and the national federation to ensure that regional needs are addressed. Through the implementation of local outreach strategies, the President, Local Society (Central City) fosters a collaborative environment for eye doctors. Williams monitors the impact of local programs on member satisfaction and professional growth. The President, Local Society (Central City) maintains a focus on strengthening the local optometric infrastructure.

Nicholas Podpeskar, the President, Local Society (West Central) at AOA, directs the strategic activities of the optometric society serving the west central region. Podpeskar oversees the implementation of professional development programs tailored to the specific needs of practitioners in this area. By managing local member relations, the President, Local Society (West Central) ensures that the association provides consistent value to eye doctors. Nicholas Podpeskar executes regional advocacy efforts that support the national mission of promoting high-quality vision care. This leadership role involves coordinating with other local societies to share resources and best practices. Through the facilitation of regional meetings and workshops, the President, Local Society (West Central) encourages professional collaboration and clinical excellence. Podpeskar monitors regional membership trends to inform national strategy. The President, Local Society (West Central) maintains a focus on fostering a supportive and highly skilled community of eye care professionals across the west central territory.

Haris Dzubur, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) at AOA, manages the professional network and advocacy initiatives for optometrists in the northern suburban region. Dzubur facilitates local access to national resources and educational materials that enhance clinical practice. By overseeing regional member engagement, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) ensures that practitioners are well-equipped to provide comprehensive eye care. Haris Dzubur drives local programs that address the unique demographic and health needs of the suburban population. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the north suburban society within the national federation. Through the organization of local forums and professional gatherings, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) promotes a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Dzubur monitors the effectiveness of local initiatives in supporting member goals. The President, Local Society (North Suburban) maintains a focus on building a strong, unified presence for eye doctors within the suburban healthcare market.

Vesna Simic, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) at AOA, directs the professional activities and member support services for the Lake Mchenry optometric society. Simic oversees the delivery of local educational content and advocacy support that aligns with the national mission. By managing the local society, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) ensures that eye doctors in the area have access to the tools required for high-quality patient care. Vesna Simic executes regional outreach strategies that strengthen the connection between local practitioners and the national federation. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment where members can share clinical insights and professional challenges. Through the coordination of local events, the President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) promotes professional development and community engagement. Simic monitors local membership needs to provide feedback to the national leadership. The President, Local Society (Lake Mchenry) maintains a focus on enhancing the professional standing of eye doctors in the region.

Gary Gray, the President, Local Society (Central Illinois) at AOA, manages the professional affairs and member advocacy for the central Illinois optometric community. Gray oversees the implementation of regional programs that support the national objectives of the association. By facilitating local networking and educational opportunities, the President, Local Society (Central Illinois) ensures that practitioners remain at the forefront of vision care. Gary Gray drives initiatives that address the specific clinical and business needs of eye doctors in the central Illinois region. This leadership role involves representing the local society in national discussions and ensuring that regional perspectives inform association policy. Through the promotion of professional standards, the President, Local Society (Central Illinois) fosters a high level of clinical excellence among members. Gray monitors local membership engagement to ensure the continued relevance of association services. The President, Local Society (Central Illinois) maintains a focus on building a cohesive and effective professional network.

Beth Thompson, the Auxiliary President at AOA, directs the activities and support initiatives of the auxiliary branch of the association. Thompson oversees the programs that provide supplementary resources and community outreach support to the optometric profession. By managing the auxiliary network, the Auxiliary President ensures that the association maintains a broad base of support for its mission. Beth Thompson executes projects that enhance the visibility of optometry and promote public awareness of eye health. This leadership role involves coordinating with the main association to align auxiliary efforts with national strategic goals. Through the development of volunteer and community-focused initiatives, the Auxiliary President strengthens the impact of the organization. Thompson monitors the effectiveness of auxiliary programs in supporting the broader membership. The Auxiliary President maintains a focus on fostering a supportive environment that complements the clinical and professional work of the association's members.

Deirdre Middleton, the Chief Communications Officer at AOA, architects the messaging strategy for the association to ensure clear communication with members and the public. Middleton oversees the dissemination of critical information regarding vision care standards and professional advocacy. By managing public relations and internal messaging, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the brand identity of the federation. Deirdre Middleton drives digital and traditional outreach campaigns that highlight the essential role of optometrists in the healthcare system. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders, including student associations and armed forces members. Through the development of comprehensive communication frameworks, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the association remains a trusted authority in eye health. Middleton coordinates with other executives to align messaging with strategic goals. The Chief Communications Officer maintains a focus on increasing visibility and fostering a strong, informed community of eye care professionals.