Cleinman Performance Partners Team

Alan Cleinman
President

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An entrepreneur and leader in the eye care community for more than 30 years, Al is best known as a leader, innovator and problem solver. 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, 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 business planning, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and relationship structuring. A frequent industry motivational lecturer and prolific author, he has been a contributing editor to Optometric Management and Eye Care Business magazine.

Pamela Miller
Vice President,
Finance and Administration

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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 has two adult sons and enjoys skiing, biking and gardening. 

Michael Hanbridge,
Vice President,
Marketing and Client Development

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Michael has over 15 years of broad-based marketing experience, with particular expertise in financial services; direct mail subscription promotion; “guru” marketing and web-based marketing.  He was most recently the Director of Marketing for Value Line, the venerable subscription-based financial publisher.  There, he was responsible for a marketing budget of $15 million and initiated a number of key projects, including the development of new subscription promotions involving over 1 million mailing pieces per month.

Prior to Value Line, Michael was, for more than seven years, the Manager and then Director of Marketing and Communications for Domini Social Investments, where he directed the development and implementation of this “guru” investment fund’s marketing plan; including major shifts in direction, strategies and tactics.  Prior to his work in the investment community, Michael spent six years in a variety of capacities for several marketing and communications consulting firms, where he was responsible for everything from producing creative to account management.  Michael holds a BBA in Marketing with a concentration in Advertising and Promotion from Pace University and an MBA in Marketing from Baruch College.

Rich Heiland
Director,
Member Experience

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Rich is a former newspaper publisher and CEO. Earlier in his newspaper career Rich was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1975 and in 1985 was the National Newspaper Association's Columnist of the Year. Rich created The Solutions Map storyboard planning process, which significantly cuts planning and meeting time and moves groups to plan implementation and completion. Rich also is a certified facilitator in Joel Barker's Implications Wheel. Along with Directing Member Experience for Cleinman Performance Network, Rich owns and operates RHScott Associates, LLC. Rich completed 27 hours toward a master's in Urban Affairs and Public Administration at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dan Flora
Director,
Client Development

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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.

Amanda VanVoris,
Director,
Client Services

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With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Amanda is responsible for the delivery of our custom consulting and analytical services, including strategic planning services, human resources consulting and CPN® benchmarking.  Her experience ranges from direct patient care and private practice administration to system-wide reengineering of hospital business and care delivery processes. Amanda also has experience in hospitality sales and marketing management, and residential/commercial real estate.

Dorcas Ross,
Client Services
Coordinator

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Dorcas is responsible for the smooth flow of communications through the Client Services department. She has nine years of experience in office administration with a large insurance company and 16 years in commercial banking, having reached the position of assistant branch officer. She holds Administrative Assistant of Insurance Associates, and Associate of Customer Service designations, registered through Fellowship of Life Management Institute.

Tim Lundin,
Benchmarking Analyst

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Tim joins Team Cleinman as a Business Analyst with over four years of experience ranging from customer service to financial analysis in the banking and insurance operations fields. Most recently, Tim worked in sales and service for a major nation-wide retail and consumer lending institution. A native of Upstate NY, Tim graduated from the State University of Oneonta with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics.

Johanna Loeffler ,
HR Project Manager

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Johanna joins Team Cleinman with over 4 years of experience in the Life & Health Insurance field.  Her experience ranges from oversight of service department teams, to the coordination, management and implementation of commercial employee benefits programs. She has specific experience in employee benefits programs for small to mid-size companies, including medical and dental practices.  

Paul Wood,
Business Analyst

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Paul joins Team Cleinman as a Business Analyst with a diverse background.  As a native of upstate New York, Paul was drawn back to the area after graduating from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.S. in Small Business Management.  Having worked in a law office for the past five years Paul has had the opportunity to act in a variety of capacities.  His experience ranged from drafting and reviewing contracts to the facilitation of personal and commercial real property transactions as well as consumating business transactions. 

Mark Kleszczewski,
Information Support Manager

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A graduate of the State University of NY-Oneonta, Mark joins Team Cleinman with a diverse background including marketing, legal and financial services, real estate, government, and small business.  Most recently, Mark worked for an upstate NY community action agency developing and implementing profit-making initiatives in the energy services sector.  Mark also volunteers with an area Executive Service Corps (ESC) where he assists local entrepreneurs and small businesses owners with their business challenges.

John Holmes ,
Director,
Marketing Support

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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.”

Scott Dibble,
Director,
Technical Support

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Scott will be responsible for all things technical at Cleinman Performance Partners. He is charged with taking our existing technologies to the highest level of reliability while working with our various managers in the development and implementation of new software/hardware solutions. A computer software and hardware professional for over ten years, Scott comes to Team Cleinman from his role as a systems administrator for one of the areas largest firms, New York Central Mutual Insurance.

Diana Parker,
Director,
Meeting Support

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Diana has a twenty-year background in hotel management and public relations. Diana has managed hotels and restaurants around the country as a General Manager and Corporate trainer for Advantica Inc. and a General Manager for Hilton Hotels. For Cleinman, she is responsible for meeting planning and is the on-site coordinator for Cleinman Performance Network meetings, and other Cleinman workshops and meetings. Diana leads our New York meeting support team. A native of Edmeston, New York, Diana is a former teacher, professional musician/actress and a graduate of SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cobleskill where she received degrees in Business Industry/Education, Communications/Speech, Music and Agri-Business.

Sebrina Brown
Managing Coordinator
of Education and Meetings

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Sebrina comes to Team Cleinman from Bassett Healthcare, where she worked as the assistant to the Program Coordinator at the Delhi Academy School Based Heath Center .  Prior to her tenure with Bassett Healthcare, she has held administrative positions with Delaware Academy , A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and IBM. Sebrina lives in East Meredith with her husband, Lex who is the Purchasing and Plant Manager at Delhi Telephone Company and her son, Kyle who is a 9th grade student at  Delaware Academy .  She is active in the Boy Scouts and the Delaware County Relay for Life, where she is the co-chair for the Education Committee. She enjoys gardening, reading, camping and entertaining at her home.

Diane Tisserand,
Coordinating Manager,
Cleinman Performance Network

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Diane is responsible for administrative support, arranging meetings, and the production of the CPN experience, including coordinating communications and member experience. With 24 years of insurance claims examination and geriatric care, she has an extensive administrative and process background. Diane has an Associate of Science degree from Orange County Community College.

Sarah Tisserand,
Coordinator,
Cleinman Performance Network

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Liz Thomson ,
Media Support Associate,
Cleinman Performance Network

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Liz is CSEA certified Keyboard Specialist, was formerly a civilian dispatcher for the New York State Police and an avid horsewoman. She has two children: Samantha, age 23, who attended Herkimer College and Matthew, age 22, who is an accomplished musician. Liz also has one grandchild, 2 year old Caleb.

Mandy Locker,
Bookkeeping

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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.

Gary Hawk,
Facilitator and Consultant

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As president of Inner Circle of San Diego since 1994, Gary has facilitated peer groups for business owners and leaders. Inner Circle peer groups provide a safe harbor for business owners to discuss the sensitive issues and challenges of leading and running a business. Gary is also Principal of Inner Circle Coaching & Mentoring, an executive coaching firm that specializes in helping business owners to execute their strategies successfully. With almost 40 years experience in both large and small businesses, Gary brings a rich business background to his coaching relationships. He has executive experience working in both service and manufacturing environments. Gary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska.

Dick Schultz,
Facilitator

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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.

Diane Elko,
Facilitator

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Diane has been involved in quality and productivity management for 25 years, bringing a wide array of business and consulting experience to Team Cleinman. Along with designing and delivering training courses, Diane has extensive experience leading and coaching teams. She has led businesses to award-winning results, superior team results and customer service excellence. Before founding Improve It! Consulting and Training in Houston, Texas, she held positions with Mellon Bank, United Technologies and other leading companies. She holds degrees in both Psychology and Communication from Seton Hill University, and has an M.B.A. from the Katz School of Management at the University of Pittsburgh. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston.

Judith Lee,
Communications Consultant

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Judith has been writing for the vision care industry for 25 years. A former managing editor of Review of Optometry, she has contributed to Review of Optometry, Review of Ophthalmology, Optometric Management, Contact Lens Spectrum and other magazines for physicians and health care professionals. A communications consultant for many years, Judith worked with local and national companies both within and outside the vision care industry. She now heads up Team Cleinman's editorial projects, edits the CPN newsletter and directs corporate communications. Judith holds a B.S. with cum laude distinction from George Washington University.

Judie Brighton,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

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Judie has well over twenty years of professional experiences as a Manager, Optician and Dispenser in the optical field.  Her experience spans both private practice and the corporate optical market.  She speaks the same language as staff, including managed care.  In the Staff Education Program Sales Secrets of Optical Stars, Judie teaches the fine art of selling, while maintaining the objective of meeting the patients' needs.  Judie is adept at identifying doctor and staff strengths and weaknesses and has experience with on-site private and corporate consulting throughout North America.  One of Judie's particular areas of interest is Practice Image Enhancement.  She encourages and coaches doctors and staff to exude the impression of confidence, competence and personal appeal.

Kat'e Hooker,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

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Kat’e began her career 16 years ago as a receptionist in an optometric office.  She has since worked almost every position.  She earned promotions taking her from receptionist to clinic manager then senior manager of three locations.  She is currently the HR Director for Eye Center Optometric who happens to be former CPN members!

Rebecca Johnson,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

Rebecca Johnson COT, CPOT, COE has been in the eye care business for more than two decades, holding manager positions within private practices and teaching positions at college-level ophthalmic programs. She now provides training through Foundation Ophthalmic Training & Development, teaching JCAHPO, NCLE and AOA continuing education courses. Rebecca edited the Third Edition of "Self-Study Guide for Paraoptometric Certification."

Sandy Likes,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

Sandy has 20 years experience in the optical industry including 13 years with Luxottica/LensCrafters; she is on the OWA (Optical Women’s Association) Board, is a member of the SEBC Impact 21 Leadership Group, a contributing author to Jobson Publishing and was the VCA’s Keynote speaker for VEE in 2006.

Sandy’s career in fashion merchandising began at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. She has a proven track record of creating and implementing business concepts and processes, maximizing profits and fostering an environment of teamwork. During Sandy’s career she has been a vice president leading several functions including merchandising and buying, vendor relations, procurement, inventory management, product development and human resources. Sandy has focused on business growth in the United States and in international markets.

Mary E. Schmidt,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

Mary brings over 20 years of experience in the optical field, with hands-on, practical knowledge. She is an internationally known speaker who has p resented programs on national, statewide and local levels. As leader of the Staff Education Program, Filling the Book – First Impressions, Mary shares her expertise in solving problems with staff and internal operating systems. Along with the all-important telephone techniques, she instructs staff members on time management, teamwork, insurance billing, and how to handle difficult people. Mary also provides personalized private training and consultation. Mary is a ccredited by the American Optometric Association and the American Board of Opticianry.

Phernell C. Walker, II, AAS, NCLC, ABOM,
Workshop Leader and Consultant

Phernell is President & CEO of Pure Optics, LLC (dba Opticredits.com). He is author of the text-book, Pure Optics, which is in its Second Edition. Mr. Walker is a Master in Ophthalmic Optics (A.B.O.M.), a graduate of Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida with an Associate Applied Science Degree in Opticianry (A.A.S) and National Contact Lens Examiners Certified (NCLC).

Mr. Walker is a graduate of the Ophthalmic Technology School with a diploma as an Ophthalmic Technician from Bryman College San Francisco, California. Considered an authority and expert in advanced geometric and applied optics. He serves as a faculty member for the American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists (AADO). He has served as an item writer for the American Board of Opticianry Advanced Certification (ABO-AC) Exam. He has lectured extensively nationwide to include such venues of prestigious faculties as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Vision Expo in New York & Las Vegas, Eye Quest in Chicago, private consulting and numerous over state society conventions. He has authored over 200 articles for such publications as Vision Care Products News Magazine and Ophthalmology Times. In January 2004, Mr. Walker was honored in Vision Monday's "Forty Under Forty", listing forty of the nations brightest, innovative ECP's Eye Care Professionals in the country under the age of forty.