(PRESS RELEASE) ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Vision Council has appointed Sara Bonizio as the organization’s new Director of Shows. In this position, she will work closely with The Vision Council’s partners at RX, the co-organizer of Vision Expo East and West, to drive opportunities for the growth and development of the Shows. Bonizio will report to Mitch Barkley, The Vision Council’s vice president of Trade Shows and Events.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sara to The Vision Council team,” said Barkley. “As the industry continues to get back to doing business in-person and adapting to the new realities of a post-pandemic market, this is a very exciting moment to bring in new talent. We are confident Sara›s extensive experience and unique background will bring significant value to membership as we continue to shape the future of Vision Expo East and West.”
Prior to joining The Vision Council, Bonizio worked for The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, most recently as Vice President, Communications and Partnerships. In this role, she worked with the Bronx Chamber to expand its capacity, streamline and enhance operations through team building, program and service development, and internal and external communications.
Earlier in her career, Bonizio spent several years in Boston working with community-based nonprofit organizations, raising over $1.6 million in institutional and individual funding via capital campaigns and special events.
Bonizio also has a personal connection with the vision care industry, having worked at The Metro Optics Group, her family’s group of eyecare practices, for seven years. Bonizio has also served as a contributing writer to several optical trade publications, including Vision Monday and 20/20.
Bonizio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and Spanish from Syracuse University and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Social Impact Management from The Heller School at Brandeis University.