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GREEN BAY, Wis.—Barbara Vitchus, who has served as general manager and president of Global Optics for the past nine years, is retiring, effective Sept. 30. She will continue to consult with Global Optics until the end of 2020, a company spokesperson said. Vitchus, who has an extensive background in operations management, finance, labor relations and contract negotiations, joined Global Optics in 2011. Under her leadership, the company undertook a number of key growth initiatives. Among them was the implementation of an automated warehouse management system, the installation of an enterprise resource system that allowed Global to coordinate and integrate all key business processes of the organization, and the addition of a system that allows for single source shipping. In 2017, she was honored with Essilor’s Very Important Partner award.

“I have learned a great deal from Barbara professionally and personally,” said Adam Cherry, president of Cherry Optical Lab, a Global member. “She has provided tremendous insight into the value of servant leadership, a philosophy that has transformed the way I lead. Barbara was always available for personal support as well.

"During April 2020, when it seemed like many of our dreams were going to get crushed, Barbara was readily available to share ideas, hope, and a plan to survive. It’s in the toughest of times that you learn who your real partners are. Barbara was an excellent asset to Global Optics Inc and Cherry Optical Lab, and she will always be a well-respected friend."


Keith Heckenkemper, co-owner of another Global lab, rxotulsa, also praised Vitchus’ leadership. “Barbara has been a voice for all Global members. Her leadership of Global since July 2011 has been nothing short of miraculous. Barbara has guided Global to be the premier lens supplier to independent optical labs and ECPs in the U.S.”

Prior to joining Global, Vitchus held management positions in a variety of industries, most recently serving as general manager for G&K Services, an apparel industry supplier. Earlier in her career, she served as vice president of KK Integrated Logistics, which provides logistics support for ocean and lake shipping, stevedoring warehousing and trucking companies.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Global Optics supplies spectacle lenses and other products to its members, which are independent wholesale laboratories located throughout the U.S. The privately-held company services over 60 optical labs, inventories products from 20 vendors and has factory-direct relationships internationally. It operates a 34,000 square foot, state of the art, centralized distribution center in Green Bay.

A search for Vitchus’ successor is underway, according to the Global Optics spokesperson.