Howard Purcell, OD
BOSTON—The New England College of Optometry (NECO) board of trustees has named Howard Purcell, OD ’84, FAAO, Diplomate, as the 13th president and CEO of the College. Purcell was selected following a national search to succeed Clifford Scott, OD, MPH, who will be stepping down after serving for nine years. He will take office on July 2, 2018. Purcell currently serves as senior vice president of customer development for Essilor of America. “I am honored and thrilled to join a team of outstanding educators, administrators and optometry students who are motivated to make a difference for the profession and the patients we serve,” said Purcell, who will oversee efforts to advance NECO’s education, clinical, research and service missions.

“Dr. Scott has worked hard as president to guide the path of NECO with humility, grace and professionalism while always keeping the student front and center in the decision-making process. I look forward to building on the solid foundation he has established.”

Purcell is a graduate of NECO’s Class of 1984 and brings considerable experience and success in many aspects of optometry to his new role. Throughout his career, he has been an innovator in both the current and future practice in optometry and is well versed in the evolving trends and technologies in health care.

“I am confident my experiences in private practice, academia and industry will bring a unique perspective to the college. This is truly the only position in the industry that could convince me to leave Essilor of America, and the great mission, work and people of the company I’ve called home for the last 10 years,” said Purcell. “NECO is poised to lead optometric education into the next decade and beyond. I am committed to working closely with the community to create and achieve the goals and objectives necessary to get us to where we need to be as a college and a profession.”

Purcell’s optometric career began with 11 years of private practice in Florida with his father, NECO alumnus Saul Purcell, OD ’54. He then joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, rising to the position of deputy dean prior to being recruited by Johnson and Johnson as senior director of professional affairs.

Purcell has been a key member of the Essilor leadership team and executive committee for 10 years, serving as the professional face of the company and leading the customer development group through significant evolution and growth.

NECO board chair Pano Yeracaris, MD, MPH, announced Purcell’s selection to the NECO community. Yeracaris noted, “The most important job of the NECO president is to serve our students, ensuring that the College remains strong and moves us confidently into the future of optometry. Finding the right person as the new leader is the most important job for the trustees.

“We are confident that Dr. Purcell is the best person to carry forward the mantle of leadership for NECO and he has demonstrated a strong commitment to optometry throughout his career. His love and commitment to the College is matched only by his vast experience in the field of optometry. He brings to the role diverse and relevant experience nationally and internationally within academia and industry. We are fortunate and extremely pleased to have Howard Purcell as our new president,” Yeracaris said.