ROCKVILLE, Md.—The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) has appointed Dawn Mancuso, FASAE, CAE, its new executive director. She will begin as executive director on Aug. 31, 2015, succeeding Marty Wall, who is retiring in July 2015 after nearly 25 years with the organization.

A seasoned leader in the non-profit association industry and the former chief executive officer of the Hydrocephalus Association, Mancuso will serve as the lead executive responsible for the administration, operations and representation of ASCO with all member institutions and affiliates in optometric education. She will also continue the association’s strong collaborations with other organizations in the profession and forge partnerships with other associations of health professions education to create greater visibility for optometry in the changing health care landscape.

“Dawn brings to ASCO her depth of experience in association management and her extensive expertise in successful strategic planning and implementation,” said Jennifer Coyle, OD, MS, ASCO president and dean of the College of Optometry at Pacific University. “We look forward to having her be an integral part of ASCO.”

Dawn Mancuso said, “I am truly honored to be joining the great team at ASCO and excited about the opportunity to use my skills and experience to advance the importance of optometric education to both patients and the medical community. I am very fortunate to be coming on board with such a healthy and well regarded organization, which is a true testament to the hard work of Marty Wall and the board.”