Lee, OD, Named Director, Education, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, North America

 
Charissa Lee, OD
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Johnson & Johnson Vision Care announced the appointment of Charissa Lee, OD to the role of director, education, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., North America (JJVCI). In this role, Dr. Lee will lead the development of programs supporting the schools and colleges of optometry across the U.S. She will report to Millicent Knight, OD, head of professional affairs, JJVCI.

“Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is committed to supporting the education of the next generation of optometrists,” said Dr. Knight. “With the addition of Dr. Lee to our professional affairs team, we look forward to working even more closely with optometry schools to provide students with additional tools and resources they need to become effective, successful practitioners.”

A graduate of State University of New York, State College of Optometry, Dr. Lee brings over 12 years of hospital-based and private practice optometry experience to her new position, including providing patient care in diverse settings ranging from a Veteran Administration hospital to a tertiary eyecare clinic in the city of Hangzhou in eastern China. In 2007, she opened her own private practice in Irvine, Calif.

Smith Optics Announces New Hires and Staff Promotions

   
 Brian Cotsonas  Eric Stumpner
KETCHUM, Idaho—Smith Optics announced several new hires and staff promotions. Brian Cotsonas has been named Eastern Regional sales director for the brand, after serving as sales manager for the past 10 years. Cotsonas’ responsibilities in his regional territory remain the same, while expanding his dedication and drive to increase sales in key markets.

Following the launch of its best-in-class e-commerce site last month, Smith Optics appointed Eric Stumpner to e-commerce and web development manager. While continuing to lead the e-commerce team and all web development projects on the hybris platform, under his new title, Stumpner will also oversee the growth of Smith’s online consumer marketplace and be responsible for all of the sales and marketing efforts throughout Smith’s e-commerce serviced markets.

Both Cotsonas and Stumpner report directly to Blair Clark, senior vice president marketing and sales.

Kat Stansberry joins the Smith team as the new art department coordinator, reporting directly to art director, Chatham Baker. Previously serving as catering director for Sun Valley Resort for the past seven years, Stansberry brings her attention to detail and creative spirit to her new position at Smith.

Smith’s operations team also welcomes two new faces to its department. Krysia Logsdon takes the helm as buyer/planner for the helmet and elite categories and Valerie Lewis will serve as operations coordinator. In her part-time role, Lewis will primarily support eyewear operations, reporting, off-site warehouse inventory integrity and data management. Logsdon and Lewis will both report to Colin Yankee, senior supply chain manager.

Johnson Named Vice President and General Manager of Envision Industries

 
  Gene Johnson
WICHITA, Kan.—Envision, a company that promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or have low vision, has named Gene Johnson vice president and general manager of Envision Industries, its product manufacturing and assembly division. He will report directly to CEO/president Michael J. Monteferrante and will be based in Envision’s manufacturing headquarters here.

The appointment follows a period of nearly two months during which Johnson served as a contract employee helping Envision improve throughput, logistics and warehouse efficiency. It also marks the latest in a series of moves aimed at realigning Envision with the strategic plan approved by its board of directors.


Williams Group Names Breen Assistant VP of Practice Transition Services

 
  Tom Breen
LINCOLN, Neb.—Practice management consulting firm, Williams Group has named Tom Breen assistant vice president of practice transition services. Formerly a senior consultant and director of business development for Williams Group, Breen led his own firm, Breen & Associates, to help eyecare businesses implement growth strategies.

His primary role in his new position will be helping clients manage the details involved in a successful practice transition. He will also market practices to prospective buyers for Williams Group’s recently introduced practice brokerage services.

With over 24 years in the eyecare industry, Breen continues to lecture, train and consult on many different facets of practice management and human resource development.■