The AOSA’s officers for 2017-18 are, from left, Treasurer Jon Beeson, Secretary Jodi Baker, Vice President Melissa Zaleski and President Andy Mackner.
He’s the group’s 50th president.
(Press Release) SAN DIEGO — Andy Mackner has been elected the 50th president of the American Optometric Student Association.
A third-year optometry student at Pacific University College of Optometry, Mackner chairs AOSA’s Advocacy Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Concordia College and calls Pelican Rapids, MN, home.
Other officers elected Jan. 7 are:
- Vice President Melissa Zaleski of Nova Southeastern University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biobehavioral health from Penn State University.
- Secretary Jodi Baker of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University.
- Treasurer Jon Beeson of Inter American University of Puerto Rico. Beeson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Arizona State University.
The four will begin their terms in March, taking the reins from President Erick Henderson, Vice President Lauren Fereday, Secretary Christin DeMoss and Treasurer Evan Tirado.
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In other AOSA business, the board approved creation of a National Liaison to the Ocular Nutrition Society. The move responds to increased interest in dietary influences on eye health.
Two students, Ana Bonaldi of MCPHS University and Alyssa Drew of Michigan College of Optometry, were elected to represent the AOSA in the American Optometric Association House of Delegates.
During the annual meeting, the AOSA Board visited the corporate headquarters of Allergan and Oakley and had hands-on workshops with Valley Contax and BioTissue. Guests included American Optometric Association Trustee William Reynolds, O.D., and representatives of Alcon, Essilor, Guardian Life Insurance, HOYA Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care and Optovue.
The AOSA represents more than 6,700 students attending the 24 schools and colleges of optometry throughout the U.S. and Canada.
