1st Annual UOA Leadership Conference-President Ronnie Harbert Feedback

​Wow! What an Amazing UOA Leadership Conference!


I’m not sure everyone realizes just how successful our Inaugural UOA Leadership Conference truly was. Not only did it make history as the first-ever UOA Leadership Conference, but it also marked our first Delegate Assembly!


What began as a vision, born among a few of us dreaming about what could be, was finally brought to life. This past weekend, WE officially launched that vision when our membership collectively adopted our new UOA bylaws, giving us a collective roadmap towards growth and engagement for everyone in our industry.  Thank you to those who contributed to the thoughtful conversations to get us to this point! 


I would like to express my deepest thanks to:

• Shirley Earley and her outstanding UOA Leadership Conference committee, all the hard work made this event the success it was.
• Bob Reynolds, for guiding our first-ever UOA Delegate Assembly.
• Michael Vitale, for chairing the Bylaws Committee and helping to ensure the bylaws discussions and vote were conducted with clarity and care.
• All members of the Assembly, thank you for your questions, passion, and participation. You made it matter.
• The Opticians Association of Massachusetts for your inspiring resolutions, and to Mary Seguiti for chairing the Resolution Committee.
• Vendor partners, thank you for showing up and supporting this great event.

Stronger Together!
 
A special thank you to Gwen Cooper & Blair Wong for delivering the “The Power of OP!” keynote session. All I can say is “WOW!”, a truly inspiring session. Of course, we wouldn’t expect anything less from two great leaders.


To Gwen, thank you for joining our family and leadership team. You, alongside Bob Alexander and Johnna Little, have worked tirelessly and selflessly to carry forward the vision that began with just a few of us, with a lot of heart. The three of you made this inaugural UOA Leadership Conference in Louisville something truly unforgettable.


I’m already excited and looking forward to our 2nd Annual UOA Leadership Conference #UOAChicago2026 to see where the continued momentum will take our profession. 


Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as the first President of the United Opticians Association. It has truly been one of the great honors of my professional life. 
We truly are Stronger Together!


Thank you,
Ronnie Harbert, ABOC
President, United Opticians Association