NAVAO Presidents

• Robert Newcomb (1977-1983)
• Clifford Scott (1983-1987)
• Robert Carty (1987-1989)
• Bernard Dolan (1989-1991)
• John Townsend (1991-1993)
• Gerald Melore (1993-1997)
• Sharon Atkin (1997-1999)
• Gerald Selvin (1999-2003)
• Sharon Atkin (2003-2005)
• Gay Tokumaru (2005-2009)
• Brian Kawasaki (2009-2013)
• Nancy Wong (2013-2017)
• Kevin Mercado (2017-2021 )
• Molly McGinty-Tauren (2021- )

Keynote Speakers 

2022 Dr. John Townsend, Former VA Director of Optometry Services
2021 Dr. Gerald Selvin, Former President of NAVAO; Former Chief of Optometry, Boston VA
2020 n/a
2019 Dr. John Amos, UAB School of Optometry Dean and Professor Emeritus
2018 Dr. Laurence Meyer, Chief VA Specialty Services
2017 Dr. Jack Terry, Executive Director of NBEO
2016 Dr. Thomas Stelmack
2015 Dr. Kenneth Jones, VA Director of Associated Health Education
2014 Dr. Linda Casser, Professor of Optometry, PCO
2013 Dr. Robert Newcomb, OSU Professor Emeritus-Clinical
2012 Dr. John Townsend, VA Director of Optometry Services
2011 Dr. Alden Haffner, President SUNY Optometry
2010 Dr. Rajiv Jain, VA Acting Chief Consultant for Specialty Services
2009 Dr. Debbie Hettler, VA Clinical Director, Associated Health Education Office of Academic Affiliations
2006 Dr. Michael Kussman, Acting Undersecretary for Health
2005 Dr. Johnathon Perlin, VA Undersecretary for Health
2004 Dr. Lucille Black, VA Director of Audiology and Speech Pathology Services
2002 Dr. Linda Johnson, Acting Director, Associate Health Educated Office in VACO