Andy Mackner, a third-year optometry student at the Pacific University College of Optometry (PUCO), was recently elected the 50th president of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA).
Mackner from Pelican Rapids, MN, holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Concordia College and currently chairs AOSA's Advocacy Committee.
In addition, Melissa Zaleski of Nova Southeastern University was elected vice president of AOSA, Jodi Baker of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry was elected secretary, and Jon Beeson of Inter American University of Puerto Rico was elected treasurer. The four new officers will reportedly begin their terms in March.
PHOTO: (From left) AOSA's 2017-18 officers Treasurer Jon Beeson, Secretary Jodi Baker, Vice President Melissa Zaleski and President Andy Mackner.
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AOSA Elects 2017-18 Officers
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 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.
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 mission of the American Optometric Student Association is to “improve the visual welfare and health of the public, to promote the profession of optometry, and life-long commitment to the AOA and AOA state affiliates, and to enhance the education and welfare of optometry students.”
The AOSA represents more than 6,700 students attending the 24 schools and colleges of optometry throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Each school has a unique AOSA chapter and is represented on the AOSA Board by a Trustee and Trustee-Elect. The AOSA is online at www.theaosa.org, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram @theaosa. To set up an interview, obtain other photos or for additional information, please contact Bob Foster as listed below.
Source: American Optometric Student Association