Jeff A. Hollowood.
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PITTSBURGH—The board of directors of Vision Benefits of America (VBA) has named Jeff A. Hollowood, a former VBA board member and chairman of its audit and finance committee, as president and chief executive officer. Prior to this appointment, Hollowood served as VBA’s interim president and chief executive officer following the retirement of the company’s previous president and chief executive officer in March 2018. “I am excited to take a more permanent leadership role at VBA,” Hollowood said in the company’s recent announcement.

“I look forward to working closely with our business partners and internal team to further our mission of improving the human experience by utilizing innovative models of service, delivery and advocacy to reduce barriers to high-quality eyecare.”

Hollowood initially was elected to and served on the VBA board of directors in 2012 following nearly a decade of experience in civil litigation, business law, real estate law and regulatory compliance. After serving as chairman of VBA’s audit and finance committee, in 2015, he resigned from VBA’s board of directors and became the company’s general counsel. After orchestrating the creation of VBA’s legal department and overseeing various interdepartmental initiatives, Hollowood’s role in the company continued to grow and he was appointed corporate secretary in 2016.

“Jeff’s knowledge of the vision industry and VBA makes him well suited for this role,” Dr. Karen E. Rule, OD, chairman of VBA’s board of directors, said in the announcement. “Jeff will be an asset to VBA as we embark on the next phase of our strategic plan. His leadership skills, innovation and vision will ensure VBA is in the best position for future success.”

Founded in 1965 as one of the first preferred provider organizations (PPO) in the nation, VBA (which is based here) offers group vision benefits to corporations, municipalities, schools, health and welfare funds, hospitals and health maintenance organizations, according to the announcement. Seeking to capitalize on its experience and expand its offerings beyond vision, VBA also provides cost-effective dental solutions across the nation through plans administered and underwritten by the TruAssure Insurance Company.