The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced a new president and four new board members.
Megan Molony, CEO for Europa Eyewear and previous vice president of the OWA, has assumed the role of president effective immediately.
Additionally, Reagan Colpitts, Senior Manager, Key Accounts for Pair Eyewear, Cha-Ling Delgado, Vice President, Stars North America, for EssilorLuxottica, Nancy Gries, Brand Owner, Coti Vision, and Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus, Principal, Visionary Insights, will join the OWA Board of Directors. Janna Neal of Zyloware will move up to Vice President, and Erika Plank of VSP Vision will assume the role of Secretary/Treasurer.
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“We are thrilled to welcome these four exceptional leaders to the Optical Women’s Association Board of Directors. Their commitment to advancing women in the optical industry is both inspiring and essential to our mission. Each of them brings a unique perspective, deep expertise, and a passion for empowering others—and I’m confident their contributions will help shape the future of our organization in powerful ways. We are grateful for their willingness to serve,” said Molony.
The OWA would like to give special thanks to the following departing board members: Beverly Bianes, OD, Owner, Pack & Bianes Vision Care; Trudi Charest, Consultant, Total Focus Consulting; and Courtney Myers, Senior Vice President, Red Havas.
The OWA would also like to thank its outgoing president, Lorie Lippiatt, OD, who has provided outstanding leadership and direction to the association for the past two years. Under her guidance, the OWA celebrated many proud achievements: the “We See Greatness” campaign was launched; the OWA held their first networking events at MIDO, SILMO, and 100% Optical; the International Expansion Committee was created in response to global interest in OWA membership; the OWA logo became a registered trademark in the U.S. and U.K., with the E.U. pending; the OWA partnered with ClearVision Optical on the Adira Grant Program; the Full Circle Mentoring Program was created; the Her Story initiative was launched to bring community to those affected by cancer; the OWA Dialogue speaker series was introduced; and the OWA website was beautifully re-designed to offer more interaction for its members through its updated member directory and the Community Corner. LIppiatt will remain on the OWA Board as Immediate Past President for two years and will also chair the OWA Nominating Committee.
New president Megan Molony had this to say about the outgoing president: “On behalf of the entire Optical Women’s Association, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Lorie for her incredible leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her tenure was marked by meaningful progress, expanded opportunities and a steadfast dedication to elevating women across the optical industry.
She led with grace, strength and a collaborative spirit that inspired all of us. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are profoundly thankful for the legacy she leaves behind. Thank you, Lorie, for your service, your heart and your leadership.”
