Stephen D. McLeod, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen D. McLeod, MD, leads the world’s largest ophthalmology organization, with 30,000 members and offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. It is the principal source of educational materials and programs for ophthalmologists as well as the profession’s voice from Washington to the World Health Organization. Dr. McLeod is professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California-San Francisco and was editor-in-chief of the Academy’s Ophthalmology journal, the most-widely read clinical publication within the medical specialty. His clinical practice is focused on cornea and external disease, including cataract and refractive surgery.
Lawrence Mendenhall, MBA, JD
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Legal Counsel
Lawrence Mendenhall leads the Academy teams that are responsible for finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, membership and alliances, communications and marketing, and the Academy’s related foundation and museum. He also provides oversight across the Academy and its foundation in the areas of legal and enterprise risk, financial performance and people management. A graduate of the Wharton School and NYU Law, Lawrence brings over 25 years of experience leading and structuring activities for a range of global nonprofit enterprises, including The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Hewlett Foundation and Humanity United.
Joe Carr
Vice President, Information Technology
Joe Carr leads the web development, project management core systems and support/infrastructure teams for the Academy. Joe has worked for the Academy since 2002. Prior to working for the Academy, Joe had worked 18 years in the insurance, K-12 education, artificial intelligence, entertainment and medical information/informatics industries.
Dale E. Fajardo, EdD, MBA
Vice President, Education
Dale Fajardo leads the teams responsible for the Academy's clinical education, professional development, and publication programs. He joined the Academy in 2008 and brings more than 20 years of experience delivering education, business, process improvement and healthcare compliance initiatives for startup and Fortune 100 biopharmaceutical firms and the government. He holds a bachelor of science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master of business administration from the University of Hawaii, and a doctor of education from the University of Southern California.
Beth Heinrich, MPA
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Beth Heinrich leads the Communication and Marketing Division, which includes brand and creative, advocacy, stakeholder and member communications, media relations, product development and marketing, content management, patient education and social media. A graduate of the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, Beth brings more than 20 years of experience leading strategic communications, marketing and brand strategy for organizations including Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Art Museum, U.S. Bancorp and the American Red Cross.
Rebecca Hyder
Vice President, Governmental Affairs
Rebecca Hyder leads the Governmental Affairs Division, which is responsible for advancing federal, state and health policy advocacy priorities on behalf of 18,000 U.S.-based ophthalmologists. Prior to joining the Academy, she spent 21 years on Capitol Hill and has a thorough understanding of congressional, administrative and regulatory processes, honed through service as chief of staff and in other senior positions for members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Jessica Kuo, MBA
Vice President, Membership and Alliances
Jessica Kuo leads the Membership and Alliances Division, which includes the strategic membership development, administration of the Code of Ethics and its related education programs, Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring and the Academy’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. She holds a master of business administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business and has more than 15 years of experience in association management on the national, state and county levels.
Flora Lum, MD
Vice President, Quality and Data Science
Flora Lum, MD, became vice president of Quality and Data Science in 2015. She leads the Academy’s care improvement programs and teams responsible for clinical guidance, public health and data analytics initiatives, including the Academy’s IRIS® Registry. Dr. Lum earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland Medical School. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Tina McGovern
Executive Director, Foundation
Tina McGovern leads the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation that financially supports the Academy’s mission. With $150 million in assets, the Foundation supports research and programs for ophthalmologists and patients worldwide. Tina successfully oversaw a capital campaign to build the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye and raised significant funds to expand clinical education.
Debra Rosencrance, CMP, CAE
Vice President, Meetings and Exhibits
Debra Rosencrance oversees the organization and production of the Academy’s annual meeting, including exhibition, scientific program, housing and registration. In addition, she leads the staff of the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives, the Academy’s practice management arm, a separate organization for ophthalmologists and ophthalmic administrators interested in the business of ophthalmic practice. She has worked for the Academy since 1986.
Gail Schmidt
Vice President, Ophthalmic Society and Global Relations
Gail Schmidt leads the Ophthalmic Society and Global Relations Division, which includes Academy’s efforts to enhance ophthalmic society collaborations and international initiatives to advance ophthalmic education worldwide, the Leadership Development Program, the Council and annual Mid-Year Forum, the Advocacy Ambassador Program, Eye Care America and efforts to engage, deliver programs and support targeted member demographics including young ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmologists.
Michael W. Stevens, JD
General Counsel and Vice President, Legal Affairs
Michael Stevens leads legal risk management for all aspects of the Academy’s operations, from structuring strategic partnerships and contracting, to intellectual property, to compliance and litigation. Prior to joining the Academy in 2022, Michael was an antitrust litigator at Paul Hastings LLP and a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, where he advised clients on a wide range of legal issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree with highest honors from the University of California-Santa Cruz and a law degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center.