About Us

An entrepreneur and leader in the eye care community for 40 years, Al is best known as an strategist, innovator and problem-solver. His business acumen has been honed through the launching of over twenty businesses and business units and scores of business services, including businesses which have earned over $50 million for venture capitalists. No stranger to the power of groups, he is credited with inventing the Buying Group segment of the vision care industry when he founded Co-optics of America, the first national optometric buying group. The founder of several industry businesses, including the industry’s first consumer magazine, he has experience at all levels of the industry, from manufacturing to retailing, from frames to lenses, from publishing to managed care services. An experienced business strategist, he has an extensive background in new business development, planning, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and relationship structuring. Al delivers motivational lectures at scores of venues and to thousands of participants each year and is the author of hundreds of articles, including serving as a contributing editor to Optometric Management and Eye Care Business magazines.

Pam has more than 25 years of experience in management, accounting and computer operations. Prior to joining Cleinman Performance Partners, she was Controller and Operations Manager for a world leader in the porcelain doll and hobby ceramics business, responsible for all financial operations of five domestic and foreign companies. Prior to that, Pam was a business manager, staff accountant and office manager for several companies, including public accounting firms in New York, Texas and Arizona.  Pam attended Phoenix College and the State University at Oneonta where she studied Accounting and Business. Pam joined Cleinman Performance Partners in 2005.

Kathleen has almost 20 years experience collaborating with diverse organizations to significantly benefit communities through business initiatives in the arts, education, tourism, preservation, agriculture and social services.  Before Kathleen joined Cleinman Performance Partners in 2009, she was Executive Director of the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts, where she was responsible for the planning and management of this regional arts center, including a school for the arts, three galleries, several grant programs, a film festival, afterschool programming, and the activities of Arts Otsego, a consortium of 17 cultural organizations.  Kathleen previously worked as a business consultant with the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship, working with organic and family farms to develop new markets across the Eastern Seaboard.  In her earlier career, she was a news reporter for Banjo Communications, a broadcasting company in Central New York.  She also owned and operated Avery Design, a full-service graphic design firm.  Kathleen joined Cleinman Performance Partners in 2009.

Kathryn has worked in non-profit administration for over 30 years working to improve the business within the arts community. Her wide range of experiences includes event programming , budget analysis, website development, and day to day operations of large and small institutions. Her most recent position was Director of Operations of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Kathryn graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major of American Studies and Studio Art. The Dir. of Network Operations position was created at Cleinman Performance Partners in the spring of 2010 and Kathryn is the first to hold this position. Her main responsibility is to ensure that the members understand and receive all of the benefits of their membership and have exceptional experiences at their network meetings. Kathryn works closely with the entire team to help each member recognize and realize all of their possibilities.

Amanda joined Team Cleinman in 2004 and brings with her over 20 years of experience in the healthcare arena. Amanda has led teams in the delivery of our custom consulting and analytical services including, strategic planning services, client coaching, human resources consulting and CPN® benchmarking. Prior to joining Cleinman Performance Partners, her experience ranged from direct patient care and private practice administration to system-wide reengineering of hospital business and care delivery processes.  Amanda also supports our Cleinman Performance Network membership as a Group Facilitator and Staff Trainer at Network meetings.

Rich Heiland is the Director of the Member Experience as well as a facilitator for Cleinman Performance Network. Rich also serves as a senior consultant for Cleinman Performance Partners. Rich attended Miami (Ohio) University and graduated from Wilmington (Ohio) College. He also did graduate work in public administration and urban affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington and Johns Hopkins University. Rich spent 30 years in journalism as a reporter, editor and publisher at daily newspapers. During that time he was a part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting team and was considered a “turn-around” manager for struggling products. Since 1992 he has worked as a facilitator and trainer in the “SolutionsMap” creative planning process. He also is a certified trainer and facilitator in Joel Barker’s Implications Wheel process as well as John Kotter’s “Leading Bold Change,” based on Kotter’s book “Our Iceberg Is Melting.” Rich has taught journalism and organizational leadership at the college level.

Johanna’s healthcare background includes positions ranging from provider billing to life & health insurance sales, support and administration. Her experience includes oversight of support teams to the coordination, management and implementation of commercial employee benefits programs. Her continuing education has included classes through the American Management Association, The Great Game of Business and the Hartwick Leadership Institute. Since joining Team Cleinman in 2005, Johanna has functioned as the Human Resources Project Manager. Supporting the work of the Client Solutions department, she assists our clients with their Human Resources challenges, including executive recruiting.

Scott’s background includes a lead technical position working for one of the northeast’s largest insurance carriers, and various private companies. Scott’s responsibilities range from implementation of new technology as well as maintaining the existing infrastructure. Scott is a graduate of the State University of New York at Cobleskill and holds various certifications from Microsoft©, Novell©, Lotus Notes© and many others. Scott provides Team Cleinman with the technical tools required to provide our clients with the best support possible, and has been with us since 2005.

A visual communicator with two decades experience, most with New York
area advertising agencies. As a self-described “John of all trades”, he has created advertising, presentation materials, packaging, catalogs, brochures, multi-media presentations and websites.A published writer, as well as a
self-confessed "Techno Geek". He continues to seek new challenges in the ever-evolving digitalmarketing industry and will certainly find them as he helps us push ourmarketing “envelope.” “I believe in technology,” says John, “as it’s the great equalizer and allows the average Joe the same opportunity as the
big guys".

Thomas has been in the communications field on one form or another since the age of 13, starting in his grandfather’s print shop. He studied illustration and graphic design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and Fine Arts at the State University of New York in Oneonta. He began his technical career with a photo studio in Philadelphia, first as a digital artist, and then transitioning into the field of Information Technology. From there he worked for a military contractor as an IT specialist and webmaster, cultivating abilities with technology, security and design. He taught design and advanced coding at a trade school in New Jersey (he thinks of students all the time). Thomas moved into web development full time several years ago, and is now working on the technologies that help Cleinman Performance Partners serve its members.

Rosemarie, “Ro,” brings more than 20 years of print production experience to our team. Prior to joining Cleinman, she was responsible for producing scented magazine and catalog inserts and overseeing the print production needs of major fragrance companies such as L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Lancôme. In years prior, she produced creative and collateral for a travel fulfillment company.

Dan joins Team Cleinman with 20 years of client and business development experience, most recently as President and Chief Development Officer for ResultOne Communications, where Dan was responsible for day-to-day operations and the development of key client relationships. Dan’s professional background emphasizes strategic planning, sales support, market research, promotions and branding. Prior to his tenure at ResultOne, Dan was VP Marketing and Business Development for Admiral Services, a Pittsburgh-based company that sells municipal safety products in collaboration with local 911 centers. Dan brings years of experience working with small business owners in the development of their businesses. He holds a B.A. in Community Organization from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota and an M.A. in Marketing Communications Management from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.

Scott comes to Team Cleinman with an extensive and diversified background in sales & marketing. After spending several years as a sales manager in the gift industry working for Papel Freelance, Inc., Scott arrived in the mortgage industry, where he became a specialist in helping people finance real estate transactions. Attending every loan closing personally, he insured the personal satisfaction of each and every one of his clients. After 12 years in the Mortgage/Finance arena Scott brings his skills as an expert in customer relations to the Cleinman Performance Network. Scott holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Public Management from The State University of New York, Utica IT.

Brett has over 20 years sales, marketing and client development experience, working with a portfolio of diverse businesses ranging from small, independent ventures to Fortune 500 companies.

After four year tour in the United States Air Force, Brett began his career in the magazine publishing business where he helped to develop marketing strategies for clients.  In the early 90s Brett became a founding principal of JV Johnson & Associates, Inc., a publisher’s representative firm.  In his capacity as Vice President, he worked with multimedia giants Hachette Filipacchi and the former NY Times Special Interest Publications

Most recently Brett was News Director at Central New York Radio Group, a radio conglomerate featuring 13 stations in central New York.

Diane is responsible for administrative support in Client Development and Marketing. Diane comes to Cleinman Performance Partners from the healthcare industry, with over 20 years experience of insurance claims exam, coding and geriatric care, she has an extensive administrative and process background. She joined the Cleinman Team in 2001, helping to develop processes for the CPN experience, including communications and member experience. Diane graduated from Orange County Community College and attended UC at San Diego and San Francisco where she majored in Art and minored in Biology.

Sebrina’s background includes positions in School Based Health care, managing administrative departments and Executive Admin positions. Her experience includes managing budgets, scheduling staff and patients and meeting planning. Her continuing education has included classes in coding and billing, diversity in the workplace, meeting planning, and the Hartwick Leadership Institute. Since joining Team Cleinman in 2006, Sebrina has functioned as Alan Cleinman’s Executive Assistant, Meeting Coordinator and the Manager of Meeting Experiences. Sebrina is responsible for planning all functions for Cleinman Performance Partners, including Cleinman Performance Network meetings.

Rita brings an eclectic background to Cleinman. With previous experience in early childhood education and curriculum development, bookkeeping and most recently commercial real estate management and development. Rita graduated from Ashford University, Magna Cum Laude, with dual bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management and Early Childhood Education Administration. Since joining Team Cleinman in 2010, Rita works in the Client Solutions department.

Ali is a recent graduate of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Environmental Studies. Additionally, Ali earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Commerce, from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch while studying in New Zealand. As a student assistant with Skidmore’s Off-Campus Study and Exchanges program, he provided program research and support to students preparing to study abroad. Prior to joining Cleinman, Ali interned with Empire Solar Store in Troy, NY where he analyzed energy usage patterns and provided customer service in support of energy audits.

Matt has an extensive background in communications, insurance and legal services. Recently he worked for an Estate Planning Law Firm, specializing in client services and office management. Before the law firm, Matt worked at a well known insurance company providing analytical skills to their legal department to help develop a deeper understanding of insurance payouts pertaining to specific injury types. He joined Cleinman Performance Resource in 2009.

Samantha brings an interesting background to Cleinman Performance Partners.  After graduating from The New School of Radio and Television in Albany, she worked as a voice-over producer and radio event planner for seven years.  Several commercials with her voice are still heard on radio and television today.  She took her event planning skills to the next level at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region while serving as the fundraising and special events coordinator for four years.  Samantha joined Cleinman Performance Partners in 2009 as the Education Coordinator, part of Cleinman Performance University.

Mandy was a licensed Insurance Agent for Allstate for three years. She graduated from Kapao High School in Hawaii. Mandy moved to New York in 2002 from Alaska.

Ray has more than 15 years of experience in maintenance and property management. Plumbing, electric, carpentry, construction, roofing and appliance & machine repair are all areas of hands-on skill and creativity with certification in environmental repair. Ray’s role is to ensure building and grounds maintenance for Cleinman Performance Partner’s business facility and adjoining rental property.

Ed has been associated with Cleinman Performance Partners for the past eight years as a member of the consulting and facilitation team. Prior to joining CPN, Ed has served in a number of top corporate management positions as well as owning and managing a number of his own businesses.

In the managed care area, as Director of Marketing, Ed launched the startup of an IPA model HMO that has grown to more than 250,000 members and has been both one of the fastest growing and most financially successful in the U.S. Ed was the CEO of a third party administrator, providing self funded health, vision, Rx and worker’s comp insurance to hundreds of thousands of employees.

He served six years as CEO of a regional insurance brokerage and the Director of Marketing of a top 20 national insurance brokerage. His diverse interests led him on a 10 year journey developing and operating Southwest Adventures, one of the largest outdoor adventure companies in the Phoenix, AZ market.
After selling that business in 2007, Ed has been keeping busy assisting O.D.s in achieving their goals, as well as pursuing his passion for home design and cabinet making in his new business, Cleinman Craftsmen.

In his free time, you’ll find Ed on some mountain top or remote desert location basking in nature and pursuing many of life’s nature related adventures.

Cleinman Performance Partners’ has been acquainted with Bill for a number of years—he is the former VP of Sales for Neostyle Eyewear and was a founder of Delectable Displays, a firm that provided point-of-sale displays for the eye care industry, as well as for firms such as SONY and Starbucks.

Bill brings a diverse and visionary approach to optical boutique design that is rooted in practical, hands-on merchandising and marketing experience. Bill is knowledgeable in the analytical aspects of optical sales and is a creative thinker who develops innovative, custom designs. He focuses not only on new trends but equally on developing an understanding of your market and your practice environment.

Since 1994, Gary has facilitated peer groups for CEOs and business owners. He has been a facilitator with Cleinman since 2004. With over 45 years experience in both large and small businesses, Gary brings a rich business background to his work. He ran the franchise division of Jenny Craig International. He was a business attorney and for several years was also owner of a small chain of weight loss franchises. Gary and his wife, Cathy Hawk, are partners in Clarity International, a coaching and training firm that teaches skills for how to see, sense and use energy as a primary life and work strategy. They are co-authors of Lights-On Leadership©, The Energy Rules of Engagement and Creating the Rest of Your Life©, An Atlas for Manifesting Success & Excellence in Life & Work. Gary has a degree in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska. Gary is an ICF certified coach, and has a leadership certification from Coaches Training Institute.

Since 1989, Dick has been a trainer and facilitator in a planning process using storyboards. In 1998 he formed the Professional Resources Group, a network of consultants and trainers. In that same year he worked with Rich Heiland to further refine the Solutions Map storyboard planning process. As a facilitator, Dick is skilled in facilitating projects within a variety of industries and often with large groups, in locations around the globe. He has gained his experience in diverse settings: manufacturing, medical, retail, public education and church related organizations. Dick earned his MSW from the University of Pittsburgh, and during the next 15 years served as CEO of two sizeable and successful human service agencies.