Talking to your Board and Others about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

As Vice President of Operations, Mike is responsible for developing long-term strategies, creating lean and efficient operational processes, improving customer relationships and monitoring the successes of each operational department.

Mike started his career in the organ, tissue and eye donation industry more than 20 years ago as a recovery technician, where his skills and attention to detail helped him routinely win the coveted Technician of the Month award. His calm demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills and industry knowledge make him an outstanding and successful leader. He later moved to Carolina Donor Services as Tissue Recovery Manager where he led the department to win the Golden Quill and Golden Scalpel Awards for minimal errors in both documentation and surgical technique. Mike came to Miracles In Sight in 2006, where he quickly was able to use his skills to forge many process and procedural improvements and lead the company to become one of the top eye banks in the world. Mike is an advocate for donation. He is active on multiple EBAA committees, leads technician education trainings, and lectures on eye banking domestically and abroad.

After graduating high school, Mike enlisted in the US Army as a laboratory technician and worked towards completing a diploma in surgical technology. He received his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Mt. Olive College and his Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University.

Chandler Shaw is the Business Development Coordinator for Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank at the Nashville, TN location. With nearly two years of experience in the organization, Chandler has played a role in expanding the Eye Bank’s reach and fostering critical partnerships. In addition to her work at Sierra Donor Services, she has been an active member of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the past year. Chandler is passionate about supporting the growth of life-improving initiatives and promoting a culture of inclusion both within the workplace and the community.

Elizabeth Fout is the Executive Director of Beauty of Sight, a position she has held for nearly 20 years. Based in Miami, Florida, she has been dedicated to the eye banking field since 1998, starting her career as a recovery technician. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. She has also been an active member of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), serving two consecutive terms as Treasurer and contributing to multiple committees.

Brenna M. Wheeler, M.S. is a successful marketing, communications, program & community development professional with more than 20 years of experience focused on improving the health and wellness of Michigan residents. As the Customer Experience Director at Eversight, Brenna is responsible for planning, developing and optimizing marketing & customer experience technologies and journey improvements to help create the best possible experience for everyone who engages with the Eversight website and other platforms.  Brenna serves on the EBAA DEI Committee and is co-chair of Eversight's DEI Council.