PEOPLE People By Staff Monday, May 14, 2018 1:30 AM Howard Purcell, OD New England College of Optometry Selects Dr. Howard Purcell as Next President BOSTON—The New England College of Optometry (NECO) board of trustees has named Howard Purcell, OD ’84, FAAO, Diplomate, as the 13th president and CEO of the College. Purcell was selected following a national search to succeed Clifford Scott, OD, MPH, who will be stepping down after serving for nine years. He will take office on July 2, 2018. Purcell currently serves as senior vice president of customer development for Essilor of America. “I am honored and thrilled to join a team of outstanding educators, administrators and optometry students who are motivated to make a difference for the profession and the patients we serve,” said Purcell, who will oversee efforts to advance NECO’s education, clinical, research and service missions. Purcell is a graduate of NECO’s Class of 1984 and brings considerable experience and success in many aspects of optometry to his new role. Throughout his career, he has been an innovator in both the current and future practice in optometry and is well versed in the evolving trends and technologies in health care. “I am confident my experiences in private practice, academia and industry will bring a unique perspective to the college. This is truly the only position in the industry that could convince me to leave Essilor of America, and the great mission, work and people of the company I’ve called home for the last 10 years,” said Purcell. “NECO is poised to lead optometric education into the next decade and beyond. I am committed to working closely with the community to create and achieve the goals and objectives necessary to get us to where we need to be as a college and a profession.” Purcell’s optometric career began with 11 years of private practice in Florida with his father, NECO alumnus Saul Purcell, OD ’54. He then joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, rising to the position of deputy dean prior to being recruited by Johnson and Johnson as senior director of professional affairs. Purcell has been a key member of the Essilor leadership team and executive committee for 10 years, serving as the professional face of the company and leading the customer development group through significant evolution and growth. NECO board chair Pano Yeracaris, MD, MPH, announced Purcell’s selection to the NECO community. Yeracaris noted, “The most important job of the NECO president is to serve our students, ensuring that the College remains strong and moves us confidently into the future of optometry. Finding the right person as the new leader is the most important job for the trustees.” Robert Marc Robert Marc to Exit Robert Marc Eyewear NEW YORK—Robert Marc and Luxury Optical Holdings (LOH) have announced that Robert Marc is leaving his position as chief creative officer of Robert Marc Eyewear. An industry leader in luxury eyewear, Robert Marc Eyewear was acquired by LOH in September 2014. Marc’s exit is effective immediately. “Robert is among a select group of eyewear designers that revolutionized the industry over the last 30 years. It is a testament to Robert’s sophisticated designs and influence that he has helped elevate eyewear to a fashion accessory. He leaves the brand in a strong position with the recently released spring 2018 Capri Collection, as well as the upcoming fall 2018 collection. We thank Robert for his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Timothy Mayhew, CEO of LOH. “I would like to thank all my colleagues, vendors and retail partners for their support and faith in me,” said Marc. “It has been a privilege working with an extraordinary group of people over the last 30 plus years. Recently, I began thinking about what was next and I am excited to change course to travel (a personal passion of mine) and to pursue philanthropic and new creative projects.” Marc opened his first shop 37 years ago in New York City with the philosophy that eyewear should enhance the vision of one’s self. He established a global reputation by creating one of the first boutiques to bring eyewear to the forefront of fashion. Steve Horowitz Eyewear Designs Ltd. Announces Appointment of Steve Horowitz as President SYOSSET, N.Y.—Eyewear Designs Ltd. (EDL) has announced that Steve Horowitz has been appointed president of the eyewear company. In his new role, which became effective April 1, Horowitz will oversee the activity of the Eyewear Designs’ global sales and brand development team, reporting directly to the company’s co-CEOs, Andrea Gluck and Dean Warner. As president, Horowitz will be instrumental in driving the company’s continuing growth as well as the future launch of several new licensed brands, the company stated. Said Gluck, “Steve’s extensive experience in the industry makes him the right person at the right time to build and expand upon the solid 40-year foundation of Eyewear Designs. His experience coupled with that of our current team will bring new ideas while his personal style will build on the unique culture of teamwork and success that’s always been at the heart of the company.” Horowitz has been president of De Rigo REM, a position he held since June 2016, when Italy’s De Rigo Group acquired REM Eyewear, the L.A.-based company where he served as president for 22 years.