Phernell Walker is a nationally renowned and sought after speaker with a passion for optics and optometric business strategy. His published textbook, Pure Optics, is used in Optometry and opticianry colleges. Walker is one of only a few hundred people to earn the Master in Ophthalmic Optics (ABOM). He is certified by the both the American Board of Opticianry (ABOC) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLEC). He currently serves as the Vice President of Optometric Relations at Eyefinity, a VSP Vision™ company, and as the Chair of the American Board of Opticianry.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University, Chris Wroten, O.D., graduated from Southern College of Optometry (SCO) before completing a Residency in Hospital-based Primary Eye Care at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Wroten has served as Chief Operating Officer at the Bond-Wroten Eye Clinics, with 3 offices in southeast Louisiana, while supervising its Primary Care & Ocular Disease Residency and assisting with its Student Externship Programs, both of which he founded. He has received appointment as Adjunct Faculty at several schools & colleges of optometry, twice been elected President of the Optometry Association of Louisiana (OAL), Vice-Chaired SECO International’s Education Committee, and received two appointments to the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners. He’s also served on numerous committees within the American Optometric Association, moderated the Presidents Council meetings, and served on the Board of Trustees for SCO, including two terms as Chair. Dr. Wroten has lectured internationally, participated in clinical research, and been the recipient of several professional awards throughout his career. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Sarah Wroten, OD, and is the proud father of two children, Emily and Ben.

Chris Tuff is a bestselling author and keynote speaker who has presented to major companies such as Nike, Harvard, and Amazon. Beginning his career in social media marketing in 2006, he was among the first to work directly with Facebook, contributing to products for brands like Toyota. His book "The Millennial Whisperer," a USA Today bestseller, focuses on empathy and relationships in the workplace. He followed up with "Save Your Asks," which provides insights into sales and networking through authenticity. Chris graduated from Vanderbilt University and lives in Atlanta with his family.

Dr. Webb was born and raised in Arkansas. She obtained her bachelors of Zoology/Biology degree from Arkansas State University in 1991. She then attended the Southern College of Optometry, where she was awarded Clinician of the year and obtained her doctorate degree in 1995. She has been awarded special service awards from the local Lion’s club, local school district, and the Arkansas Optometric Association. She received the honor of being named the Arkansas O.D. of the year in 2009. She is currently a Past President of the Arkansas Optometric Association. Dr. Webb has practiced for more than 25 years. Dr. Webb has one son, Canyon, who is a certified sports vision trainer. Dr. Webb is currently working toward her fellowship for NORA and COVD to expand her skill set for neuro-optometry.

Will Flanagan is the Head of Programs and Partnerships with the VSP Global Innovation Center, leading a variety of initiatives designed to bring outside shifts into VSP’s line of sight, including its Futurist Report series and very first Vision Innovation Challenge, concluding in March 2026. Previously, Flanagan oversaw strategy and product for American Inno, a network of data and digital media properties catalyzing local tech and startup ecosystems. He began his career with various startups, including Wayfair (then CSN Stories), helping to build its creative marketing department in its first two years. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife and two children.

Bryan Hoban began his career as an analyst and junior loan officer at a community bank, focusing on small business. In 2012, Hoban joined PECAA to apply his skills and experience to help PECAA Max members analyze and elevate their business. He enjoys working with the rest of the Member Business Associates team to help PECAA members understand and enact positive changes in their practice.