Emerging Optical Leaders
The Emerging Optical Leaders (EOL) Committee exists to identify the next generation of optical industry leaders for The Vision Council. The committee is responsible for creating leadership development opportunities and fostering networking opportunities for emerging optical executives, in addition to sharing insights helpful to the strategic goals of The Vision Council.
To access the EOL Purpose and Vision document, click here.
Executive Summit 2025
Are you considering joining us in Santa Barbara for Executive Summit 2025? See why the event is a must-attend for our emerging leaders.
How to Join
If you are seeking an opportunity to expand your network within the industry, are eager to connect and learn, and are seeking to make an impact on the strength and success of The Vision Council, the Emerging Optical Leaders committee is for you.
The EOL Committee accepts nominations for new members on a yearly basis. Members of the EOL Committee must be nominated by a senior executive of their company. The Vision Council encourages members to nominate eligible candidates or to express your interest to colleagues at your company if you’d like to be nominated. To nominate an individual from your company, fill out the form here.
Criteria for nomination includes:
- Actively employed with a member company of The Vision Council in good standing
- Nominated by a senior executive of member company
Once confirmed, all members are asked to fill out the EOL Membership Agreement.
EOL Events & Opportunities
Participation consists of in-person meetings, virtual meetings, networking events and supporting one of the Three Core Pillars throughout the year. As a member of the EOL Committee, EOLs are asked to attend two committee meetings at minimum. In-person meetings will take place at either Executive Summit, Vision Expo East, or Vision Expo West. Throughout the year, EOLs will also be invited to attend virtual meetings.
EOL Committee Meeting - August 2024
EOL Mentorship Kickoff Meeting - February 2024
Core Focus of the EOL
The EOL Committee and its members focus their efforts into three primary functions, dubbed the “Three Core Pillars.” As a member of the EOL Committee, you can select and contribute to the pillar aligned with your unique abilities, interests, and experiences.
Engagement & Participation
Fueling the EOL Committee’s networking, the engagement and participation pillar works to build the community among the EOL members. This pillar is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding and participation of committee members.
Continuous Development
The continuous development pillar focuses on creating and executing leadership and development opportunities or events for members of the EOL committee. Past initiatives have included private workshops with keynote speakers at The Vision Council’s events, panel-style fireside chats with prominent industry leaders, leadership training sessions at The Vision Council’s Executive Summit and the EOL mentorship program.
Contribution to The Vision Council
The Vision Council leans on the EOL Committee for insight and feedback into strategic direction and challenges as up-and-coming industry leaders. This pillar is responsible for consulting and supporting various committees within The Vision Council.
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program is one of the cornerstone initiatives of the EOL Committee. Each year, EOL members sign up to learn from the experiences of other members of The Vision Council to grow personally and professionally.
The time commitment to participate in the Mentorship Program is less than two hours each month.
To download the Mentee Workbook, click here.
To download the Mentor Workbook, click here.
Please direct all questions to Aaron Liener.
EOL Steering Committee
The EOL Committee is led by a steering committee, which ensures the viability and alignment of the EOL Committee with The Vision Council.
2024 Steering Committee includes:
- Tyler Payne - Chair
- Mollie Tavel Kaback - Vice Chair
- Aaron Liener
- Courtney Hughes
- Hugh McManus