AOA Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

AOA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, communications, and regional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to advancing optometry, AOA represents America's family eye doctors, ensuring comprehensive eye and vision care for individuals nationwide and upholding the highest standards of the profession.

Leadership Roles at AOA

  • Chief Executive Officer - Albert Agboola
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rebecca Hildebrand
  • President & Owner - John Petrovich
  • President - Samuel Pierce
  • President, Local Society (Mid-State) - Brian Moore
  • President, Local Society (Central Illinois) - Gary Gray
  • Auxiliary President - Beth Thompson
  • President, Local Society (Starved Rock) - Shawn Koehler
  • President - Mitchell Munson
  • Chief Communications Officer - Deirdre Middleton
  • Albert Agboola - Chief Executive Officer

    Albert Agboola, the Chief Executive Officer at AOA, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for the association. Agboola guides the organization's mission to represent the profession of optometry and America's family eye doctors. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration among state, student, and armed forces optometric associations to advance the field of optometry. Albert Agboola ensures the AOA effectively advocates for policies that support eye health and vision care access across the United States. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include driving initiatives that enhance the public's understanding of the critical role optometrists play in overall health and wellness. Agboola's executive oversight extends to managing key partnerships and ensuring the association's long-term sustainability and impact within the healthcare landscape.

    Rebecca Hildebrand - Chief Operating Officer

    Rebecca Hildebrand, the Chief Operating Officer at AOA, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the association. Hildebrand manages the internal infrastructure, ensuring efficient resource allocation and operational effectiveness across all departments. This executive function involves optimizing business processes to support the AOA's strategic objectives and its mission to represent America's family eye doctors. Rebecca Hildebrand coordinates activities that facilitate the seamless operation of the federation of state, student, and armed forces optometric associations. The Chief Operating Officer's purview includes enhancing member services and ensuring the smooth execution of association programs and initiatives. By streamlining operations, Hildebrand directly contributes to the AOA's capacity to advocate for optometry and promote comprehensive eye care nationwide.

    John Petrovich - President & Owner

    John Petrovich, the President & Owner at AOA, provides executive leadership and strategic direction, embodying the core values of the association. Petrovich's role involves guiding the organization's overarching mission to champion the optometric profession and ensure access to quality eye care. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and the specific needs of optometrists and their patients. John Petrovich works to foster a strong sense of community and shared purpose among members, driving initiatives that advance the practice of optometry. The President & Owner's influence extends to shaping policy discussions and advocating for the interests of America's family eye doctors. Petrovich's commitment is central to the AOA's ongoing efforts to promote vision health and the significance of comprehensive eye examinations.

    Samuel Pierce - President

    Samuel Pierce, the President at AOA, leads key initiatives aimed at advancing the optometric profession and enhancing vision care standards. Pierce's executive focus involves driving strategic priorities that support America's family eye doctors and their patients. This leadership capacity requires fostering collaboration and advocating for the critical role of optometrists in public health. Samuel Pierce oversees programs designed to promote professional development and ensure members remain at the forefront of eye care innovation. The President's responsibilities include engaging with stakeholders to champion policies that benefit both the profession and the individuals seeking eye health services. Pierce's leadership contributes significantly to the AOA's mission of promoting comprehensive eye and vision care across the nation.
    Samuel Pierce

    Brian Moore - President, Local Society (Mid-State)

    Brian Moore, the President, Local Society (Mid-State) at AOA, directs regional efforts to support optometry and promote eye health within the Mid-State area. Moore's leadership focuses on strengthening the local network of optometrists and ensuring access to quality vision care for the community. This role involves coordinating local society activities and advocating for the interests of America's family eye doctors at a regional level. Brian Moore works to implement association-wide initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the Mid-State region. The President, Local Society (Mid-State)'s responsibilities include fostering engagement among local members and promoting the value of comprehensive eye examinations. Moore's dedication enhances the AOA's presence and impact within the Mid-State community.

    Gary Gray - President, Local Society (Central Illinois)

    Gary Gray, the President, Local Society (Central Illinois) at AOA, spearheads regional initiatives to advance optometry and champion vision care in Central Illinois. Gray's executive function involves mobilizing local optometrists to enhance community eye health services and advocate for the profession. This leadership position requires fostering strong connections within the Central Illinois optometric community and ensuring alignment with national association goals. Gary Gray oversees the execution of local programs designed to educate the public on the importance of regular eye exams and the expertise of America's family eye doctors. The President, Local Society (Central Illinois)'s efforts directly contribute to increasing access to quality eye care within the region. Gray's commitment strengthens the AOA's outreach and impact in Central Illinois.

    Beth Thompson - Auxiliary President

    Beth Thompson, the Auxiliary President at AOA, leads initiatives focused on supporting the association's mission through dedicated volunteer efforts and community engagement. Thompson's role involves galvanizing auxiliary members to contribute to the advancement of optometry and the promotion of vision health. This leadership capacity emphasizes building strong relationships and coordinating activities that enhance the AOA's outreach and impact. Beth Thompson oversees programs designed to raise awareness about eye care and support the work of America's family eye doctors. The Auxiliary President's responsibilities include fostering a collaborative environment that amplifies the association's message and strengthens its connection with the broader community. Thompson's dedication is vital to the AOA's success in advocating for comprehensive eye care.

    Shawn Koehler - President, Local Society (Starved Rock)

    Shawn Koehler, the President, Local Society (Starved Rock) at AOA, directs regional operations and advocacy efforts for optometry within the Starved Rock area. Koehler's leadership focuses on strengthening the local optometric community and ensuring accessible, high-quality vision care for residents. This executive role involves coordinating local society activities and promoting the essential services provided by America's family eye doctors. Shawn Koehler works to implement association-wide strategies tailored to the unique needs of the Starved Rock region. The President, Local Society (Starved Rock)'s responsibilities include fostering member engagement and championing the importance of regular eye examinations. Koehler's commitment enhances the AOA's influence and service delivery within the Starved Rock community.

    Mitchell Munson - President

    Mitchell Munson, the President at AOA, drives strategic initiatives to elevate the optometric profession and expand access to comprehensive eye care nationwide. Munson's leadership is dedicated to advocating for the interests of America's family eye doctors and ensuring they have the resources to provide exceptional patient care. This executive position involves fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and promoting advancements in vision science and technology. Mitchell Munson oversees programs designed to enhance professional standards and public awareness regarding the critical role of optometrists in overall health. The President's responsibilities include guiding the association's efforts to address emerging challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector. Munson's vision is instrumental in advancing the AOA's mission to promote lifelong eye health.

    Deirdre Middleton - Chief Communications Officer

    Deirdre Middleton, the Chief Communications Officer at AOA, directs all internal and external communication strategies for the association. Middleton shapes the narrative surrounding optometry and America's family eye doctors, enhancing public awareness and understanding of essential eye care services. This critical role involves managing media relations, public affairs, and digital communication channels to effectively convey the AOA's mission. Deirdre Middleton ensures consistent messaging across all platforms, reinforcing the association's position as a leading advocate for vision health. The Chief Communications Officer's responsibilities include developing campaigns that highlight the importance of regular eye examinations and the expertise of optometrists. Middleton's strategic communication efforts support the AOA's broader goals of advancing the optometric profession and promoting ocular health across the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AOA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AOA?
    AOA is led by Albert Agboola (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rebecca Hildebrand (Chief Operating Officer) and John Petrovich (President & Owner).
    Who is part of AOA’s executive team?
    The executive team of AOA includes leaders such as Albert Agboola (Chief Executive Officer), Rebecca Hildebrand (Chief Operating Officer), John Petrovich (President & Owner) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AOA have?
    AOA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AOA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AOA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Owner, President, President, Local Society (Mid-State).