RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Global announced today the promotion of Tiffanie Burkhalter as president of VSP Ventures. In this role, Burkhalter will lead the company’s business unit designed to provide care-focused choices for doctors of optometry looking to transition their practices. Burkhalter succeeds Steve Baker, who is retiring after more than 20 years with VSP.  Baker will retire at the end of this year and, in the meantime, will continue to work with Burkhalter on "a smooth leadership transition over the next few months," according to a VSP spokesman.

Burkhalter has been with VSP for nearly 10 years and has held senior roles in finance and operations. Most recently she served as the chief operating officer of VSP Ventures. She will report to Michelle Skinner, chief network officer of VSP Global.

“Since the launch of VSP Ventures, Tiffanie has been instrumental in shaping the unique offerings available to private practice doctors,” Skinner said in the announcement. “We’re excited to see her lead the team and continue evolving a truly different and highly relevant approach to practice transitions.”

Skinner added, “For over 20 years, Steve has been a passionate and impactful leader for the organization, helping guide Eyefinity and VSP Ventures. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him all the best in retirement.”

VSP Ventures, which was launched in early 2019, had grown to about 20 practices under its management in mid-summer and before announcing the acquisition of six practices (with seven total locations) last week, as VMAIL reported.

Burkhalter arrived at VSP in 2011 with a range of experience. She had previously held a leadership role at Ernst & Young, where she managed a diverse, international client portfolio. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.

Burkhalter was recognized in August as one of Vision Monday’s “Most Influential Women in Optical,” and was named one of “Sacramento’s 40 Under 40” in 2019. She is passionate about giving back to the community and serves on the board of GLAM4GOOD  in addition to volunteering with several community-based organizations.