American Academy of Optometry Launches Nationwide Search for New CEO 

American Academy of Optometry Launches Nationwide Search for New CEO 

CFO Richard Jones to Serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer 

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has formed a search committee to identify candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Current Chief Financial Officer/Deputy CEO Richard Jones will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer throughout the search. Jones has more than 20 years of nonprofit financial experience and been part of AAO’s management team for nearly a decade. 

The search committee is led by Immediate Past-President Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, FAAO, and composed of Susan Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO; Stacey Coulter, OD, MS, FAAO; Joseph Shovlin, OD, FAAO; Jennifer Coyle, OD, MS, FAAO; and Andrew Mick, OD, FAAO. 

“This committee is dedicated to identifying a leader who will pave the way for the Academy’s continued growth and contributions to the optometric profession,” said Caffery. “We are celebrating our centennial this year and want a CEO who can lead us into another successful 100 years.” 

“It is critical we bring in a highly qualified individual with vision and the experience this role requires,” said AAO President Timothy McMahon, OD, FAAO. “They must be able to work in collaboration with the Board and staff to provide the quality programming, continuing education, leadership development, and membership services our Fellows expect.”  

The committee has issued a request for proposal (RFP) from qualified search firms.