OWL Welcomes New Board Members
Kansas City, MO – November 21, 2016 – OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL), an association of interdisciplinary ophthalmic professionals dedicated to driving innovation and patient care by advancing diversity in leadership, today announced that Michael Ackermann, PhD; Taryn Conway; Candace Simerson; and John Vukich, MD, have joined OWL’s Board of Directors.
- Michael Ackermann, PhD, is Vice President, Neurostimulation at Allergan, Plc., and oversees all operations at the company’s San Francisco location. Dr. Ackermann is also Co-founder of Oyster Point Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is focused on developing novel assets for the treatment of ophthalmic disease.
- Taryn Conway, Director of Marketing, Dry Eye Franchise Eye Care Marketing, Allergan, leads the strategic development of dry eye marketing, long-term strategic and life cycle management planning and oversees implementation of key initiatives for driving continued franchise growth.
- Candace Simerson, President of Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A., a nationally recognized ophthalmology practice specializing in refractive surgery with sub-specialists in cornea, glaucoma and ophthalmic plastics. In addition to over twenty-five years of experience in medical practice management, Ms. Simerson is a Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) and a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE.)
- John Vukich, MD, is Clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine. Additionally, Vukich serves as President of the American European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, (AECOS), on the Governing Board for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) as Chair of the Refractive Clinical Committee and on the Annual Program Committee for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
“The OWL board will be enriched and further diversified by the addition of these new members,” said Heather Ready, President, OWL. “Each of the new board members brings a unique and diverse background to the organization, which reflects our membership and supports our goal of advancing leadership in the ophthalmic community. We know they will make a positive impact and help drive the organization forward.”
About OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership
OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL) is a national, not-for-profit organization that seeks to foster relationships and provide professional and personal development to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential, while also creating continued opportunities for collaboration that advance patient care. Comprised of individuals from all facets of eye care, including industry, consultants, ophthalmologists and practice professionals, OWL is founded on a belief in inclusive, diverse professional environments that inspire, support and connect. Through sponsored educational and networking events, OWL promotes diversity in leadership to drive improved outcomes, and the development of professional environments that respect the contributions of all members of the team.
For more information, visit www.owlsite.org.
Organization Contact
Angela Bedell, Executive Director
abedell@owlsite.org
(913) 269-9642
Media Contact
Lauren Colella, Pascale Communications
lauren@pascalecommunications.com
(215) 350-0535