Who we Are
President
Paul Becker ABO-AC, FNAO
Paul started his optical career as an apprentice optician in 1994; working in different retail opticals often managing at the store level. In 2004 he started his independent optical journey eventually moving to his current optical home where he manages a 5 location optical business.
Paul grew his passion and desire for excellence in optics becoming ABO certified in 1996 and later expounded on this passion, earning his advanced certification in 2018. Paul’s excitement to teach and spread this passion continues as an advanced level ABO approved speaker.
Paul lives in the north east suburbs of St Paul, MN with his wife and two children. He enjoys many outdoor activities including cycling, fishing, and spending time at his family’s cabin in western Minnesota.
Secretary
Vacant
Vice President
Michael Bowman, ABOC
What started out as a business internship at LensCrafters, led Mike to a 30 plus year career in the optical industry. During his career, he developed a strong passion for optical business, sales, and leadership. He received his American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABOC) in 1996, and has made it a personal mission to become a “visionary”, or an advocate for the industry.
Mike has encountered a variety of optical environments during his career; from chain optical stores, and independent clinical experience, to operating an independent consulting business. Mike has a love and passion for Practice Administration and independent practice consulting. His primary focus is private practice business growth, and management of clinical success.
Mike currently resides in the eastern suburbs of the Twin Cities with his wife Irina, and pup Lily. He manages two independent practices, and aids countless practices through his consulting business.
Treasurer
Nikki Demeglio, ABOC
Nikki found her way into the optical world in 1990 and from then on, she was hooked. Starting in a “one-hour” setting, before stepping her way into ophthalmology, hospital clinic opticals, and finally independent optical, her varied roles helped her learn new things at every turn.
By the time she opened her own store in 2012, Nikki had come to treasure the vocation and the rewards that it brings. Her passion is in sharing her love for the optical industry with others. Nikki says it’s true that “if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Nikki owns her own practice, Eyestyles Optical and Boutique, located in Oakdale, Minnesota.
Executive Director
Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC
Education and Events Co-Chair
Celebrating 45 years in the eye care profession, her experience is vast, and a range that most will never see. She has been blessed with success and a career path that is paved with team leadership, management, development, and training.
With experience in many facets of the industry specializing in private practice, retail/wholesale as well as corporate settings. She is an ABO Technical speaker, mentor, and author.
As the owner of KARE Consulting, LLC, Karen shares her experience and will continue to be a strong advocate for all eye care professionals. She serves on the board of the Vision of Hope Foundation with a focus on local vision missions.
Karen lives in Wyoming, MN with her husband and 2 kitties. She has 2 grown children, 2 grand kiddos and 2 adorable grand pups. In her spare time, she loves reading, volunteering for a kitten rescue and with folks with dementia.
Board Members
Jason Sharpe
Education and Events Co-Chair
Paige Kraemer
Outreach Chair
Shelby Tyree
Membership Chair
Tim Floyd
Contact Lens Education Chair
Clare O’Malley
TBD
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