The Board of Trustees at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) stands as the college’s governing body, entrusted with the fiduciary responsibility for its welfare and governance. This dedicated group is responsible for electing the President and providing strategic direction, crucial long-range planning, and vital development support for the institution. Among its distinguished members is Jon Marcus, a Senior Wealth Advisor at Lexington Wealth Management, bringing significant financial expertise to the board.
Richard Heller, JD – Board Chair
As the Chair of the Board, Richard Heller brings a wealth of experience from his 17-year tenure as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Legal Sea Foods. His expertise includes managing crucial lender and landlord relationships, negotiating leases, and developing financial protocols to mitigate risk. His leadership is invaluable in guiding the Board’s governance responsibilities.
Howard Purcell, OD ’84, FAAO, Dipl. – President and CEO
Dr. Howard Purcell, a NECO alumnus from the class of 1984, serves as the President and CEO. Before assuming this role in 2018, Dr. Purcell held the position of Senior Vice President for Customer Development at Essilor of America for a decade. His extensive background also includes 13 years as Senior Director of Professional Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, demonstrating his deep commitment to the optometry field.
Myron Allukian, Jr., DDS, MPH – Board Member
Dr. Myron Allukian, Jr., a Board Member, is a former faculty member at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he contributed for over 50 years. His distinguished career includes faculty positions at Tufts and Boston University’s Schools of Dental Medicine and a past presidency of the American Public Health Association (APHA), marking him as a significant figure in public health.
Linda Bennett, OD ’96 – Board Member
Dr. Linda Bennett, a NECO Class of 1996 graduate, recently retired after a successful 40-year career owning Bennett Family Eye Care in Belmont, MA. Her practice became a leading vision care provider in the region, reflecting her dedication to patient care and business acumen.
Karen Eng, OD ’96 – Board Member
Another NECO alumna from the Class of 1996, Dr. Karen Eng, initially excelled as an optometrist before transitioning to lead her family business, CSMI Engineering. The company specializes in process and packaging engineering for USDA and FDA-regulated industries, showcasing her versatile leadership skills.
Alan Glazier, OD ’93, FAAO – Board Member
Dr. Alan Glazier, a 1993 NECO graduate, is renowned as the founder of FluoreSCENE Media and Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care. Recognized among the “50 Most Influential Optometrists” and “America’s Best Eye Doctors” by Newsweek, Dr. Glazier is a visionary in the optometry and media industries.
Kristen Griebel, OD ’97 – Board Member
Dr. Kristen Griebel, a Class of 1997 NECO Salutatorian, practices at Natick Eye Associates. She previously served as Chair of NECO’s Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2024, demonstrating her long-term commitment and leadership within the college.
Dorothy L. Hitchmoth, OD ’96, FAAO, ABO, ABCMO Diplomate – Board Member
Dr. Dorothy L. Hitchmoth, a 1996 NECO graduate, is an award-winning professor and patient advocate. With extensive publications and media appearances, she is a recognized expert in her field, contributing significantly to optometric education and patient care.
Anne Kavanagh – Board Member
Anne Kavanagh, a managing member at Kavanaugh Consulting, LLC, brings her expertise in M&A, business development, and strategic planning, particularly within healthcare and optical sectors. Her 20 years on Wall Street, including leadership roles at Paine Webber and NatWest Securities, provide a strong financial and strategic perspective to the Board.
Jonathan Marcus, CFP, AIF – Board Member
Jon Marcus, a Senior Wealth Advisor at Lexington Wealth Management, brings his financial acumen to the NECO Board. Holding a general securities license and degrees from Brown University and the University of York, Jon’s expertise in wealth management and financial strategy is a valuable asset. Lexington Wealth Management, while not explicitly named “New England Investment Partners”, operates within the New England region and functions as a partnership for investment strategies. The focus on “Jon Marcus New England Investment Partners Logo” highlights the importance of his financial role and potentially the branding associated with his investment advisory services within the New England area.
Robert Meenan, MD, MPH, MBA – Board Member
Dr. Robert Meenan, former dean of Boston University’s School of Public Health, offers extensive experience in public health and administration. His leadership at BU SPH included expanding enrollment and enhancing national rankings, demonstrating his strategic and organizational skills.
Melvin Ming, CPA – Board Member
Melvin Ming, a retired President and CEO of Sesame Workshop and former COO, brings a wealth of executive leadership experience from the broadcast and non-profit sectors. His background includes positions at the Museum of Television and Radio and National Public Radio (NPR), providing valuable insights into organizational management and public engagement.
Andrew Morgenstern, OD, FAAO, FNAP – Board Member
Dr. Andrew Morgenstern serves as a Contract Optometric Subject Matter Expert for the United States Defense Health Agency and Interim Director of the Clinical Resources Group for the American Optometric Association (AOA). His roles highlight his expertise in clinical practice guidelines and optometric standards at a national level.
Rachel Negris, OD ’84 – Board Member
Dr. Rachel Negris, a NECO Class of 1984 graduate, practices at Harvard Vanguard-Atrius Health. With over 40 years of experience in primary eye care, medical contact lenses, and vision therapy, she provides comprehensive and personalized patient care.
Thanasis Panorgias, MS, PhD – Board Member
Dr. Thanasis Panorgias, an Assistant Professor of Vision Science at NECO, contributes to both teaching and research. His work in psychophysics and electrophysiology enhances NECO’s academic and research capabilities.
Susan Primo, OD ’85, MPH, FAAO – Board Member
Dr. Susan Primo, a NECO Class of 1985 graduate, serves as the Optometry and Vision Rehabilitation Services Director at Emory University’s School of Medicine. Her expertise in low vision and visual health disparities makes her a respected figure in vision rehabilitation and public health initiatives.
Valarie Ricciardi, OD ’88 – Board Member
Dr. Valarie Ricciardi, a 1988 NECO alumna, has practiced optometry for over 33 years. As a member and former President of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, she is deeply involved in the optometric community in Massachusetts.
John Stefanini, JD – Board Member
John Stefanini, a former Massachusetts State Representative and chief legal counsel to the Speaker of the House, brings extensive legal and public service experience to the Board. His advocacy for healthcare reform and women’s health reflects his commitment to public welfare.
Emeritus Members
Joseph J.F. Bickford, OD ’65
Lester M. Brackley, OD ’68
Frank DiMella, AIA, NCARB
G. Burtt Holmes, OD ’52, LHD
Charles F. Mullen, OD ’69, DOS
Adelbert Parrot, OD ’34*
Paul Taylor, OD ’55*
*Deceased
Corporators
David J. Caban, OD ’77
Michael J. Cohn, OD ’77
Fernando Hidalgo Santa Cruz, OD ’87, PhD, FAAO
Celia Anne Hinrichs, OD ’79
James W. Hunt, Jr., PhD, MUA, CAE
Farooq A. Khan, OD ’02
Cynthia P. Macdonald, JD
Joseph F. Molinari, OD ’74, MEd
George L. Montminy, OD ’69
Galina Rabkin, OD ’03
Mina Sehizadeh, OD ’09, MS
The bylaws of the New England College of Optometry can be viewed here.
This Board of Trustees, with members like Jon Marcus and other distinguished individuals, collectively ensures the New England College of Optometry’s continued success and leadership in optometric education and patient care.
