ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) has begun its search for a new executive director following the departure of Barry Barresi, OD, PhD, as reported by VMail Dec. 11, 2013. A search committee led by AOA president Mitchell T. Munson, OD, will evaluate candidates and select finalists for recommendation to the board of trustees. The executive search firm of Grant Cooper & Associates has been retained to conduct the search.

According to the position overview, the executive director serves the AOA as its CEO, administering the business and overall management of the AOA and its subsidiaries, Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation and AOA Excel. The executive director recommends the formulation of new policies to the board of trustees, provides policy and program leadership, and implements approved policy within existing guidelines approved by the board of trustees and/or the House of Delegates. The executive director coordinates staff of approximately 100 employees in carrying out programs and activities of the association to meet the objectives established by the board of trustees.

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