AOA Executive and Leadership Team

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, ensuring comprehensive eye and vision care standards are met nationwide. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration among state, student, and armed forces optometric associations, driving initiatives that enhance the practice of optometry and patient outcomes. Albert Agboola oversees the development and execution of long-term goals, aligning all departments to support the association's commitment to advancing eye health and vision care across the United States. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to external relations, advocating for the profession's interests and ensuring the AOA remains a leading voice in healthcare policy.

Rebecca Hildebrand, the Chief Operating Officer at AOA, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the association. Hildebrand ensures that the organizational infrastructure effectively supports the AOA's mission of representing optometry and promoting comprehensive eye care. This involves optimizing internal processes, resource allocation, and operational efficiency across all departments. Rebecca Hildebrand oversees the coordination of activities between various optometric associations, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include implementing strategic initiatives, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. By streamlining operations, Hildebrand directly contributes to the association's capacity to serve its members and advance the field of optometry across the United States.

Shawn Koehler, the President, Local Society (Starved Rock) at AOA, leads the regional optometric society in the Starved Rock area, fostering local engagement and professional development. Koehler champions the AOA's mission at the grassroots level, ensuring America's family eye doctors in the region are supported and informed. This role involves coordinating local events, advocating for optometric interests within the community, and promoting comprehensive eye and vision care. Shawn Koehler serves as a key liaison between the local society and the broader AOA federation, facilitating the flow of information and resources. The President, Local Society (Starved Rock) drives initiatives that strengthen the optometric community and enhance patient access to quality eye care services in the Starved Rock region.

Andrew Milder, the President, Local Society (Illinois Valley) at AOA, directs the activities and strategic priorities for the Illinois Valley local optometric society. Milder champions the AOA's commitment to advancing optometry and ensuring accessible eye and vision care for residents in the Illinois Valley. This leadership position involves cultivating a strong network of local optometrists, promoting professional standards, and advocating for the profession's role in community health. Andrew Milder facilitates communication and collaboration among members, ensuring alignment with the national association's goals. The President, Local Society (Illinois Valley) plays a crucial role in empowering local practitioners and enhancing the delivery of comprehensive eye care services throughout the region.

Beth Thompson, the Auxiliary President at AOA, leads the association's auxiliary group, focusing on supporting the broader mission of optometry and eye care advocacy. Thompson mobilizes volunteers and resources to enhance the AOA's outreach efforts and community impact. This role involves developing programs that promote vision health awareness and support the professional development of optometrists. Beth Thompson works to foster a strong sense of community among auxiliary members, ensuring their contributions align with the association's strategic objectives. The Auxiliary President plays a vital part in amplifying the AOA's message and extending its reach, contributing to the overall advancement of eye and vision care across the nation.

Haris Dzubur, the President, Local Society (North Suburban) at AOA, leads the North Suburban regional optometric society, driving local initiatives and professional engagement. Dzubur advocates for the interests of America's family eye doctors in the North Suburban area, promoting the AOA's standards for comprehensive eye and vision care. This position involves fostering a collaborative environment for local practitioners, organizing educational events, and representing the society's needs to the broader association. Haris Dzubur ensures that local optometrists are equipped with the resources and support necessary to provide exceptional patient care. The President, Local Society (North Suburban) is instrumental in strengthening the optometric community and advancing eye health within the region.

Nicholas Podpeskar, the President, Local Society (West Central) at AOA, directs the West Central local optometric society, focusing on enhancing professional practice and community eye care. Podpeskar champions the AOA's mission to represent optometry and ensure high-quality vision services for individuals in the West Central region. This leadership role involves coordinating local society activities, promoting continuing education for optometrists, and advocating for policies that support patient access to care. Nicholas Podpeskar serves as a key point of contact, facilitating communication between local members and the national association. The President, Local Society (West Central) is dedicated to advancing the field of optometry and improving eye health outcomes throughout the West Central area.

Justin Kwan, the President, Local Society (Chicago North Side) at AOA, leads the Chicago North Side local optometric society, driving professional development and community outreach. Kwan promotes the AOA's commitment to comprehensive eye and vision care, ensuring America's family eye doctors in the area are supported. This role involves organizing local meetings, facilitating knowledge sharing among practitioners, and advocating for the profession's importance in public health. Justin Kwan acts as a vital link, connecting local optometrists with the resources and network of the national association. The President, Local Society (Chicago North Side) is dedicated to enhancing the practice of optometry and improving patient eye health within the Chicago North Side community.

Krystina Eubanks, the President, Local Society (Southern) at AOA, leads the Southern local optometric society, focusing on advancing optometric practice and patient care in the region. Eubanks champions the AOA's mission to represent America's family eye doctors and promote comprehensive eye and vision health. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among local practitioners, organizing educational initiatives, and advocating for the profession's role in community well-being. Krystina Eubanks ensures that local optometrists have the support and resources needed to deliver exceptional care. The President, Local Society (Southern) is committed to strengthening the optometric community and improving eye health outcomes across the Southern region.

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, ensuring consistent messaging that reinforces the AOA's mission and value proposition. This leadership position involves overseeing public relations, media outreach, and digital communications to enhance the association's public profile and member engagement. Deirdre Middleton develops and implements communication plans that support strategic objectives, advocating for the profession's role in overall eye and vision care. The Chief Communications Officer ensures that all stakeholders, including members, the public, and policymakers, receive accurate and timely information. Middleton's efforts are critical in building and maintaining the AOA's reputation as a leading authority in eye health.