DALLAS—The Vision Council’s chief executive officer, Ashley Mills, has been appointed to The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) board of directors—nine months after Mills was honored with the OWA Pleaides Award. The award acknowledged Mills for her support of women in leadership roles for the workplace. Mills has accumulated over 20 years of communication, trade association management, marketing, and leadership experience in her career. “The OWA is characterized by the women who participate, and it is an honor to be counted among them,” said Mills. “I am excited to be part of a team of women who work to cultivate the talent in this industry and ensure that the industry, and the women within it, realize full potential.”

Mills held leadership roles in global public relations agencies including Hill & Knowlton and Weber Shandwick before joining The Vision Council as director of marketing and shows from 2003 to 2006. She then held communications and consulting roles with several influential associations in Washington including the National Association of Home Builders’ Home Builders Institute, The Council on Foundations, and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Mills returned to The Vision Council as the vice president of trade shows and meetings in January 2016. She was named CEO of The Vision Council in November 2016.

“The OWA is thrilled to have Ashley join its executive team on the board of directors in addition to her role as vice-chair of the digital marketing committee. Ashley’s professional executive experience, and her exceptional communication skills will assist the OWA on our path to ‘Connecting-Inspiring-Leading’ the women in our industry,” said Tiara Claxton, OWA president and southwest regional sales manager, Thelios.