Meet the Board
“It is important to be able to look back in time and understand how the optical industry evolved. American Optical and ZEISS were the pioneers of many innovations and created much of the diagnostic, measurement and product capability we take for granted today. It is our responsibility to preserve this history of innovation to not only understand how the market was shaped, but to also help preserve the wonder of sight and why good quality eyecare and eyewear solutions are so important to humanity.”
Karen Roberts
Chair of the board
Head of Global Customer Enablement - Carl Zeiss Vision International
Dick Whitney
Executive Director
Manager: Industry Standards - ZEISS
“Having learnt from some of the most inspiring optical pioneers across a 50+ year career in the industry, it’s my honour to share their stories, the innovations and history of optics with the next generation...”
Jeanine McElroy
Treasurer
Senior Financial Analyst - ZEISS
“I love sharing the history and achievements of optics in America because no matter the audience, the excitement and interest is always the same. The museum has a deep connection to the optical world and the people of Southbridge, which makes storytelling a unique and fulfilling experience.”
“As a Massachusetts Registered Dispensing Optician since 1994, I believe strongly in our mission to preserve and showcase our industry’s heritage as well as provide a space for those to not just learn from the past but see the opportunities for the future as well. ”
Keith Cross
Board member
Global Strategic Account Manager: Consumer Products - PPG
Diane Matuck
Board Member
Presidents Award 2002 / Optician of the Year Award 2004 & 2010 - Opticians Association of Massachusetts (OAM)
“Having served on the OAM Board of Directors between 1998 - 2018, I considered it a privilege to help connect local opticians with optical history. I believe the optical story should be preserved and shared with future generations.”
Carrie Wilson
Board Member
Owner - Optigal Consulting
“The Optical Heritage Museum combines my two greatest loves, optical and history. I believe that we must understand the past to fully understand where we need to go into the future and the museum is a wonderful way to explore the history of the industry. ”
Scott Shapiro
Board member
CEO - eurpoa eyewear
“American Optical was an industry giant that shaped the market through its innovations and unique styling. I am passionate about sharing the story of optical manufacturing in America, and through europa’s relaunch of the iconic AO brand, we can share this history in today’s world.”
Tom Hicks
Board member
Owner - Oxford Opticians
“Having served a long career in the optical industry, I value the historical importance of American Optical and all they achieved to help make our industry great. It is an honor to be a custodian of the innovations American Optical created, and a thrill to now be part of retelling the story to the next generation.”
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Volunteers
Meet the dedicated souls who help make the museum what it is
About the Museum
Learn who we are at the museum and our journey to arrive where we are today