Meet The Board

We have a new board representing the OAM and we would like to introduce them to you.

More information about each member will be on the website also.

David Ellis – PRESIDENT

David has worked as an Optical Dispenser, an Optician, an Administrative Assistant, and a Patient Advocate.

His love for the field of optics led to his pursuing a seat on the Optician Association of Michigan’s Board. He previously served as the Board’s student member

Kristina Luka – VICE PRESIDENT

She started the Opticianry Program in January of 2016 and graduated with honors the summer of 2017. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and is ABO, NCLE, and MBCO certified.

She worked her way up to Secretary and then is now serving as the Vice President.

Her passion for this field grows every day!

Gary Broyles – TREASURER

Gary started in the optical business in 1969 and became an OAM member in 1972.

He is currently retired.

Gary has been a certified optician since 1974 and has served on the OAM board in many capacities over the years including President (3 yrs), Vice President (2 yrs), and has served for the last 8 years as Treasurer.

He has overseen the planning of the OAM Spring Convention for the last 43 years.

Kandy Garrett – Secretary

Becoming certified with on-the-job training in 2009. She attended her first OAM Convention in the spring of 2017 and saw a bigger opportunity to meet fellow Opticians.

She saw how much the opticianry industry is capable of helping the community, and our state as a whole.

Sue Shire – Immediate Past President

Sue has worked in the optical industry since 1977.

In 2012, as Honored Fellow, she served on the board of directors for the Opticians Association of America.

In 2017, Sue was awarded the State Leader of the Year by the Opticians Association of America.

Sue serves on the board of directors for the Opticians Association of America and is also Vice Chair of the Vision of hope Foundation, the Charity branch of the OAA.

Matt Gasser – DIRECTOR

Matt is an account representative with Maui Jim Inc. / Zeal Optics covering Southern Michigan. Employed with his company since 1999, he has received numerous “jimmy” awards and Kahuna Club Recognition for his sales accomplishments.

Alumni of Ferris State University and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Matt is an avid Golfer and Skier who also enjoys traveling.

Tracy Dard – DIRECTOR

Tracy Dard is the Ophthalmic Lab Manager for the University Eye Center in the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO), Ferris State University. In 1998 she earned her A.A.S. in Opticianry at Ferris State University as well as her ABOC and NCLEC.

Tracy consults with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), Salus University in the Doctor of Optometry Scholars program on opticianry related topics.

Doug Kollar- DIRECTOR

Doug graduated from Ferris in 1982 and has been working as an optician since. He started in Fenton and is semi-retired in Lapeer. He is extremely involved in the community of Lapeer.

When he’s not busy, you can find him on Beaver Island, where he plans to retire. He believes the optician is the most important person in the practice.

Will Taylor – DIRECTOR

Studied Arabic and laser technology at Schoolcraft college 2008, ABOC, NCLEC, & MBOC certified.

Currently holding an Optician position at Henry Ford OptimEyes, & own/operates Eye 2 Eye Contact in Detroit, Mich.(mobile unit optical dispensary).

Hobbies are kite flying and Egyptian history. He is married and currently lives in Northville.

Mindy Boyse – DIRECTOR

Mindy started her Optical career in 1996, becoming ABOC in 1997. After Moving to the Metro Detroit area she joined a private practice in 2014, Marston Optometry. She has over 20 years of experience in both laboratory work and in frame selection and working with frame manufactures. She enjoys picking out the current styles and sharing them with her patients.

She is married to Kevin and they both enjoy biking, finding different micro breweries and traveling.

Jennifer Block – DIRECTOR

Jenn was born and raised in Michigan. She began her optical career in Memphis, TN in 1993 and became a Licensed Optician in the year 2000.

She supports her local optical community by facilitating A.B.O. study sessions enabling others to become certified.

Jennifer’s focus and passion in her 28 years in optics has always been to be an inspiration to others.

Sue Smith – DIRECTOR

Sue is a 1983 graduate from the Ophthalmic Dispensing program at Ferris State which she earned her A.A.S and B.S.B.M degrees and is also ABO certified. For the last 15 years she has been working at Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic in beautiful Traverse City.

In her spare time she likes to boat, golf, walk and shop! She has a passion for this field and enjoys teaching and training new opticians to love the world of opticianry and strive to be the best at it!

50th Education Celebration Recap