Anyone who meets Phernell knows that Optics and Optometric Business Strategy is his passion. He is a nationally renowned sought after speaker.  He authored the textbook, Pure Optics, used in Optometry and opticianry colleges. Mr. Walker is one of only a few hundred people to earn a Master in Ophthalmic Optics (ABOM). He currently serves as the Vice President of Optometric Relations at Eyefinity and on the American Board of Opticianry and OAA Board of Directors. A Past Adjunct Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry, his educational achievements include an MBA, BS in Business, and an AS in Ophthalmic Optics. He is certified by the both the American Board of Opticianry (ABOC) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLEC).

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 highly sought after keynote speaker who has presented for Nike, Harvard, Delta, Verizon, Amazon and several other Fortune 100 companies. He began his career as a pioneer of the social media marketing space starting in 2006, becoming one of the first marketers to work directly with Facebook as well as helping them build many of their local-at-scale products for brands like Toyota.

His first book, "The Millennial Whisperer", is a USA Today bestseller and has gone on to sell more than 100k copies which explores the importance of empathy and relationships in the workplace, and it equips leaders with tools to attract and retain young talent through genuine connection.

During the pandemic, Tuff shifted toward connections outside of organizations in writing his latest book, "Save Your Asks". He’s interviewed some of the world’s greatest leaders and entrepreneurs and is publishing this handbook to equip everyone with the tools to become better salespeople and networkers through a focus on authenticity and connection. In this book, he highlights real world examples of “askholes” and such sales techniques as “shawshanking.”

Chris is a graduate from Vanderbilt University and lives in Atlanta with his wife and two daughters. He loves kiteboarding, travel, and Jordan 1’s.

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 taking place next week. 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 build its creative marketing department in its first few years. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife and 2 children.

Bryan began his work career as an analyst and junior loan officer at a community bank focusing on small business. Bryan escaped the banking industry and joined PECAA in 2012 and can now be found helping members analyze their business. He enjoys working with the rest of the Member Business Associates team to help PECAA members understand and enact positive change in their practice. Outside of PECAA, Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 wonderful children, playing golf and playing guitar.