ST. LOUIS—Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation, the charitable foundation of the American Optometric Association (AOA), has named Rebecca Hildebrand as its director. She joined Optometry Cares almost three years ago in August 2012 as development officer. She brings nearly 10 years of nonprofit development experience and has been a leader with several local and regional nonprofit organizations.

“The entire board of Optometry Cares is extremely pleased with the appointment of Rebecca Hildebrand as our new executive director,” said Optometry Cares president T. Joel Byars, OD. “Rebecca has enormous knowledge and skill of the work and activities of the Foundation, and she has tremendous enthusiasm and passion about the charity work that the Foundation conducts. Rebecca will serve us well, and we look forward to a long and productive time with her as the executive director of Optometry Cares.”

Jon Hymes, executive director of the AOA, commended Hildebrand on her professional talents: “Since joining the AOA and Optometry Cares three years ago, Rebecca has energized the foundation’s outreach and, working closely with the Optometry Cares board members, has become a driving force behind its important programs, strategic innovations and growth.”

Hildebrand said, “I am honored to serve as director of Optometry Cares, which plays a vital role in expanding essential, sight-saving eyecare to those in need. I’m excited to continue working alongside our exceptional volunteers and board members to help individuals enjoy a lifetime of healthy vision.”