Welcome Two New ODMA Board Directors
ODMA is excited to announce that two amazing individuals, Gail Giordani and Jacque Katsieris, will be joining as ODMA Board Directors.
Gail Giordani Jacque Katsieris
Gail has a background in haematology and immunology research, medical technology, and business management. She began her career at ZEISS South Africa in 1999 as a member of the microscopy division focusing on market development. In 2014, she was appointed Managing Director of Carl Zeiss (Pty) LTD, responsible for medical technology, industrial quality and research and consumer products business in sub–Saharan Africa. Later that year, she took over as Managing Director of Carl Zeiss Vision (Pty) LTD, responsible for the vision care business in South Africa.
In March of 2021, Gail was transferred to Australia to head the ZEISS Vision Care business for ANZ. Gail brings international market development experience across multiple industries and an emerging market perspective on the optical industry.
Jacque Katsieris started her Optical career in 1999 at Tower Optics/Jonathan Sceats Eyewear.
Learning each aspect of the Optical business through the design and development of local brands such as RM WIlliams and Deborah Hutton to importing collections such as Tommy Hilfiger. Jacque worked closely with the sales representatives and built up very good relationships with customers that have continued through the last 20+ years.
During her time at Tower Optics, Jacque organised the very successful MANAGE YOUR OWN PRACTICE series of training events. Bringing her relationships with Sola, Cooper Vision and BOC, she arranged this free training series throughout Australia for independent practices.
In 2009 Jacque and Raymond Kessler started ProOptics, distributing both high-end and lifestyle collections as well as the design and development of proprietary brands for Australian fashion labels.
Jacque has a reputation for her close relationships with her customers and this insight into the day-to-day workings of Optical Practices gives her an opportunity to deliver what they need.
In 2022, two casual board position vacancies due to one resignation and the later sad passing of Richard Grills in July. Per ODMA’s Constitution, the Board can appoint any willing member of the Association to fill a casual vacancy. Amongst the board, a democratic approach was adopted where a silent ballot vote was taken on those interested candidates, being either individuals or current organisation representatives from the 2022 AGM nominations. The new Director positions are to serve on the ODMA Board for the 12-month period up to the 2023 AGM, where the entire board positions are opened to be filled by the usual process of nomination and election by the members will take place.
These two valuable industry members will join the current ODMA Board of Directors Robert Sparkes of Optimed (Chair), Mark Altman of Device Technologies, Daniel Burgess of Cooper Vision, Craig Chick of Hoya, Lionel Minter of MIMO, Sean Rosenberg of Frames Etcetera and Brad Saffin of Marchon.
