Robert J. Valine.
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (GRO) has appointed Roger J. Valine to its board of directors and he will serve as chairman.

Valine is a former president and CEO of Vision Service Plan (VSP), now a part of VSP Global. Valine left the company in 2006.

He began his 34-year career at VSP as a management trainee when the company had $10 million in annual revenue. During his tenure, the company grew to nearly $3 billion in revenue, provided vision care insurance to more than 55 million members, and was selected for eight consecutive years as one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” GRO’s announcement pointed out.

Valine stated, “I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve on the board of this impressive company, known for the state-of-the-art care they provide to their patients.”

“We are honored to have someone of Roger’s experience, stature and integrity as chairman of our board of directors,” said Bill Hughson, CEO of GRO. “He shares GRO’s deep commitment to excellent patient care and will be instrumental in helping GRO realize its full potential.”

The GRO board of directors incudes Valine, Hughson, David Barrett, MD, Michael Boyle, MD, Garrick Rice, Danny Rosenberg and Phil VanderLugt, OD.

Hughson was named CEO of Grand Rapids in May of this year, as VMail previously reported. The group offers a full suite of eyecare services, employing 11 ophthalmologists, 19 optometrists, 40 certified opticians and 300 support staff in 12 locations throughout West Michigan.

In February this year, GRO joined forces with Sterling Partners which will facilitate further expansion and strategic partnerships for the business.