ROANOKE, Va.— High Performance Optics, Inc. (HPO) has announced that Larry Rodriguez has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of the technology company.

Rodriguez joined HPO in May 2013 as chief operating officer, bringing a track record of successfully building businesses, developing strategic business plans, and delivering dramatic results, the company noted. With his new role, Rodriguez will remain a member of the HPO board. Mike Packard will continue as HPO’s chairman.

“Since joining HPO, Larry has proven himself to be a tremendous asset to the company and a proven leader," said Packard. “The HPO Board and our strategic partners have found him to be of the highest integrity, a collaborative problem solver, a forward thinker for both HPO and our partners, and extremely competent in leading HPO operations. It is a pleasure to turn the HPO leadership over to Larry.”

Andrew Ishak OD, FAAO, HPO's founder and chief visionary officer, stated,  “Larry has brought the company strategic focus and operational disciplines that allow HPO to exploit the company’s intellectual property and technology both inside the optical industry as well as outside. His ability to help others see the vision and understand the enormous potential of this intellectual property and technology will position HPO for significant growth."

Founded in 2006, HPO’s mission is to protect the human retina from the hazards of blue light. HPO has invented and patented numerous proprietary solutions for various industries addressing the hazards of blue light. HPO has licensed several global optical device companies to provide patients with improved protection.