EOL Program Overview
Supporting Future Industry Leaders
The Emerging Optical Leaders (EOL) program strives to identify the next generation of optical industry leaders through networking, mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
Participation consists of in-person meetings, virtual meetings, networking events and supporting one of the three core pillars. In-person meetings take place at either The Vision Council’s annual Executive Summit, Vision Expo East, or Vision Expo West. Throughout the year, EOLs are also invited to attend virtual meetings.
Core Focuses of the EOL
The EOL program and its members focus their efforts on three primary functions, or core pillars. As an Emerging Optical Leader, you can select and contribute to the pillar aligned with your unique abilities, interests, and experiences.
Engagement & Participation
Fueling the EOL’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 program. 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 program 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
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the EOL program. 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.
Please direct all questions to Aaron Liener.
Emerging Optical Leader Steering Committee
The EOL program is led by a steering committee, which ensures the viability and alignment of the EOL program with The Vision Council.
2024 Steering Committee:
- Tyler Payne – Chair
- Mollie Tavel Kaback – Vice Chair
- Aaron Liener
- Courtney Hughes
- Hugh McManus