KANSAS CITY, Mo.—OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership, an association of interdisciplinary ophthalmic professionals dedicated to driving innovation and patient care announced that Michael Ackermann, PhD, Taryn Conway, Candace Simerson, and John Vukich, MD, have joined OWL’s board of directors.

Michael Ackermann, PhD, is VP, Neurostimulation at Allergan, Plc., and oversees all operations at the company’s San Francisco location. Dr. Ackermann is also co-founder of Oyster Point Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is focused on developing novel assets for the treatment of ophthalmic disease.

Taryn Conway, director of marketing, Dry Eye Franchise Eye Care Marketing, Allergan, leads the strategic development of dry eye marketing, long-term strategic and life cycle management planning and oversees implementation of key initiatives for driving continued franchise growth.

Candace Simerson, president of Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A., a nationally recognized ophthalmology practice specializing in refractive surgery with sub-specialists in cornea, glaucoma and ophthalmic plastics. In addition to over 25 years of experience in medical practice management, Simerson is a Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) and a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE.)

John Vukich, MD, is clinical adjunct assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Vukich serves as president of the American European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, (AECOS), sits on the Governing Board for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) as chair of the Refractive Clinical Committee and on the Annual Program Committee for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

"The OWL board will be enriched and further diversified by the addition of these new members,” said Heather Ready, OWL president. “Each of the new board members brings a unique and diverse background to the organization, which reflects our membership and supports our goal of advancing leadership in the ophthalmic community.”