ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Leadership Institute has announced its 2026 graduating class, which was recognized at Optometry’s Meeting held June 17-20, 2026, in Phoenix, Ariz. This recognition celebrates the emerging leaders who completed the program’s leadership development curriculum, the AOA advised. Graduates participated in a six-month program focusing on leadership branding, leading change, negotiation and public speaking, preparing them for leadership roles at all levels. Developed by the AOA Leadership Development Committee, the AOA Leadership Institute provides a structured leadership development experience for early career doctors of optometry.
“Since its launch, the Leadership Institute has become an important pathway for developing future leaders who reflect the evolving demographics and perspectives of the profession,” the AOA said. “Participants also gain valuable peer connections and mentorship that extend well beyond graduation, creating a network of colleagues committed to advancing optometry and improving patient care. Since its launch, the Leadership Institute has had nearly 800 graduates.”
Through a blend of virtual learning, in-person education at Optometry’s Meeting, networking opportunities and hands-on assignments, participants develop practical leadership skills they can apply in their practices, communities and organized optometry. The program’s six-month curriculum focuses on leadership branding, leading change, negotiation and public speaking while fostering relationships among participants from across the country. The AOA said graduates leave the program prepared to pursue leadership opportunities at the local, state and national levels, helping ensure the profession remains strong for years to come.
“Participating was an invaluable professional development experience that gave me a deeper appreciation of how important proactive leadership is in a regulated profession like optometry,” said Melanne Rosetta, OD, optometric physician at Omni Eye Services. “The AOA Leadership Institute program gave me tools for personal development, including how to create a personal leadership brand, negotiate contracts and improve public speaking skills. I was truly impressed by the practical strategies and tools that I can now apply in both my current role and future opportunities. Overall, the AOA Leadership Institute has given me actionable and achievable strategies to enhance my professional growth and contributions to the optometric community.”
Angel Novel Simmons, OD, FAAO, associate dean of student services and alumni relations, associate clinical professor at University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, said, “Through the AOA Leadership Institute, I’ve learned the importance of listening. It’s important to seek the advice of those we are leading and to let them lead when the time is appropriate. If you are early in your career, or later in your career as I am, honing your leadership skills is invaluable. It will allow you to show up for your patients, your community, for optometry and assist in making you a better version of yourself.”
The full list of the Leadership Institute’s 2026 graduating class includes:
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Jacklyn Alaquinez
- Krystal Andrews
- Bethany Army
- Grace Arnold
- Hiral Patel Badiwala
- Nina Ballew
- Zane Besler
- Joshua Black
- Matthew Blaseg
- Nicholas Bruns
- Margaret Burton
- Hannah Canuto
- Laura Centola
- Carolyn Chakuroff
- Shannon Cha
- Peter Chudolij
- Chisom Chukwumerije
- Ashley Delcambre
- Claire Diekema
- Samantha Dodda
- Angelica Echiverri
- Nicole Ethridge
- Jasmin Filpo
- Katherine Fisher
- Nicholas Flebotte
- Behrad Garmsiri
- Matt Geiger
- Emily Gottschalk
- Daxton Hawks
- Rose Hayes
- Carli Hays
- Kennard Herring
- Gregory Hutcheson
- Alicia Jones
- Ross Kelt
- Ashley Kettler
- Heeyoon Kim
- Jung-Sun Kim
- Dustin King
- Ciara Knapp
- Shelby Kruse
- Davina Kuhnline
- Seth Laster
- Joseph Lee
- Marjorie Lenoir
- Terry Lu
- Allan McCleary
- Caryn Nearnberg
- Nha-Han Nguyen-Deo
- Taylor Nicks
- Angel Novel Simmons
- Abretia Olson
- Jenna Osseck
- Araba Otoo
- Jeremy Outinen
- John Parmer
- Avani Patel
- Pooja Patel
- Roshni Patel
- Carmen Perez
- Janna Pham
- Janzen Pigg
- Cody Pigott
- Helene Pippin
- Beau Poquette
- Haley Rambo
- Melanne Rosetta
- Ashley Royce
- Aiko Seffinger
- Alaina Short
- Collin Simmons
- Jeffrey Simmons
- Darren Smarch
- Carrigan Smith (Gould)
- Cole Stanton
- Gabrielle Tull-Lewis
- McKenna Turrill
- Eric Tyler
- Nithya Vemula
- Jennifer Vicente
- Samantha Wang
- Bryan Williams
- Jenna Williams
- Natalie Wu
- Celia Sze Kei Yeung
- Jessica Yuen
- Lauren Zabaleta
- Evan Zimmerman
Applications and nominations for future Leadership Institute classes are accepted annually, providing ongoing opportunities for leadership development. For more information, visit the AOA website.
