Board of Governors
The board includes the President, Vice President/Treasurer, Secretary, chairpeople of active duty teaching programs, Consultants/Specialty Advisors to the respective Surgeons General, Councilor and Alternate Councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology for SMO, and military representative to the Joint Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals in Ophthalmology.
Leadership Rotation
The leadership of the SMO is elected by the SMO membership with a new secretary chosen during the annual meeting each year. The secretary then rotates into the position of VP/Treasurer the next year, president the third year, and finally serves as an advisor the fourth year to assist with continuity. The branch of service of the new secretary rotates between Air Force, Army, and Navy to maintain broad representation.
Administration: SMO has partnered with San Francisco Association Management Services (SFAMS) for assistance with the administrative functions of the Society such as membership, finance, and website support. SFAMS is a full-service association management company providing industry leading vision and a full suite of professional management services to ophthalmology and eye care associations. www.sfams.com
Leadership Program Graduates
AAO Leadership Development Program: Since 1998, the Academy's Leadership Development Program has helped identify and develop future leaders of state, subspecialty and specialized interest societies. During the one-year program, class participants learn about leadership, advocacy and association governance. Each class meets in person four times, twice in conjunction with the Academy annual meeting. Participants conclude their time in the program by completing a project in one of 10 key areas.
Grant Justin, MD (2025)
Barton Blackorby, MD (2023)
Gary Legault, MD (2018)
Rachel Lieberman, MD (2015)
SMO Councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Basic Function:
Represents SMO as a voting member of the AAO Council.
Specific Responsibilities of the AAO Councilors:
One AAO Councilor and one AAO Alternate Councilor represent the SMO before the AAO Council. The AAO Council serves as the advisory body to the AAO Board of Trustees and provides recommendations for board action based on membership concerns. Specific information can be found at http://www.aao.org/about/governance/council/.
Only Voting Fellows and Members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology are eligible.
The term is three years; each Councilor is eligible for two terms.
Attendance at the two AAO Council meetings is considered mandatory. The meetings are held during the AAO Annual Meeting and the AAO Mid-Year Forum. Should the Councilor be unable to attend a meeting, the Alternate AAO Councilor will be asked to attend. Note that the AAO covers travel expenses per AAO guidelines for Councilors attending the Mid-Year Forum.
With the Executive Council’s assistance, the AAO Councilors submit Semi-Annual Reports to the AAO Council regarding SMO’s activities.
The AAO Councilors communicate back to SMO the events and news of the AAO Council.
As needed, the AAO Councilors develop Council Advisory Recommendations (CARs), in conjunction with the leaders of SMO for presentation and discussion at the AAO Spring Council Meeting.