ATLANTA -- Prevent Blindness Georgia President/CEO Jenny Pomeroy passed away Monday evening, July 15, 2013 after an adverse reaction to an insect bite.

Pomeroy assumed the leadership of Prevent Blindness Georgia, the state affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, in 1996.

Scott Pastor, MD, and Amy Hutchinson, MD, co-chairs of the board of Prevent Blindness Georgia, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jenny’s family. This is a tremendous loss to the vision community and Jenny will forever be remembered as an innovative thinker and a selfless, dedicated leader in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia. We will miss her deeply.”

Under Pomeroy’s leadership, Prevent Blindness Georgia tripled its service delivery and budget while offering new programs for public education, training, and vision care services. On a national level, Prevent Blindness Georgia has been honoroed with the Prevent Blindness America Best Practice Award three times and with numerous other awards and honors.

The family has asked for privacy during this time. There will be a memorial service on July 31 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga. with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial gifts be made in honor of Jenny Pomeroy to: Prevent Blindness Georgia, 739 West Peachtree Street NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, Ga. 30308-1137. Donations may also be made online here or at pbaga.org.