Our
Team

Kevin is a co-founder of POD Marketing (2014) and CEO of Cleinman (2025). He is also an Amazon best-selling author with his 2019 publication titled Click: Transform your business through digital marketing. Kevin is a family man, spending all of his free time with his 3 children and an incredible wife. His passion lies in building strong businesses with a strong culture within them.

Jillian brings over a decade of experience in organizational leadership, strategic marketing, and business development to her role as Vice President at Cleinman. With a proven track record of driving growth and profitability through mergers and acquisitions, managing strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing teams, Jillian is passionate about delivering results. Her background includes executive roles in agency operations, not-for-profit leadership, and client strategy within the eye care industry. 

Known for her ability to simplify complex issues and foster collaboration, Jillian thrives on helping organizations reach their goals through clarity and purpose.

An entrepreneur and leader in the eye care community for more than 50 years, Al is best known as a strategist, innovator, and problem-solver. He describes his passion in life as business. “I love business! Businesses where,” he describes, “people get engaged with each other and fulfill the hopes and dreams of stakeholders. I love ideas and putting ideas to work. I am especially passionate about helping others see and realize their own vision.”

Megan holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and over the last ten years with Cleinman, she has honed her knowledge in all aspects of practice transitions. She works with optometrists from start to finish, including financial analysis, valuations, employment contracts and purchase agreements. She and her team deliver custom practice transition consulting and analytic services so our partners can successfully navigate everything from hiring a new associate doctor to large, complex exits.

Douglas brings analytical rigor and strategic insight to our clients’ financial planning and decision-making processes. With experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis, he provides actionable recommendations that drive profitability and growth. His attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality financial insights enable our clients to make informed, data-driven decisions. Douglas plays a key role in enhancing our clients’ financial health and achieving their business objectives.

Kate is the architect of the Strategic HR Services program, designing the structure and systems that power the delivery of people-focused solutions to our partners. She leads the development of the program, oversees the team responsible for implementation, and makes sure every element is aligned to client needs, business goals, and long-term success.

With deep experience in HR strategy, organizational development, and change leadership, Kate focuses on building scalable systems that help practices strengthen culture, improve performance, and navigate complex people challenges. Her work sits behind the scenes, but it’s foundational to helping clients build workplaces where people and business thrive.

Olivia leads our HR Support Team, the group working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, accurately, and in accordance with the rules. She supports your HRBP by making sure the policies, processes, and documentation created for your practice are not only compliant but built to last. 

Her background is in leadership roles focused on team growth and operational efficiency, and she has worked extensively in HR and recruitment process development, resulting in measurable improvements in retention and team performance. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones, including her cat, Jemma.

Jenny has earned a double major in Human Resources & Labour Relations and Accounting, which offers her a unique foundation in the areas of consulting, HR, talent management, business advisory, enterprise risk services, recruitment, internal controls and auditing. She also has her Change Management Certification and is currently pursuing her Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

Jenny tackles everything from talent strategy, compensation reviews, and employee engagement to navigating the wonderfully complex world of performance management, agreements and policies. Her approach is grounded in partnership and collaboration. When she’s not in the office you’ll find her playing volleyball and slo-pitch, skiing, traveling and finding the newest brunch spots in Calgary (AB, Canada).

For over 20 years, Amanda has been committed to helping our clients conquer business development challenges. As the Senior Director of Client Solutions, she leads her team in delivering strategic and operational consulting services in the areas of people, finance, and systems. Amanda’s experience helps you successfully navigate everything from large, complex business development plans to incremental operational improvements.

Voted one of optical’s most influential women by Vision Monday in 2017, Nancy Dewald is an award-winning consultant, speaker, and business strategist. With a background in corporate training, retailing and leadership, her career spans several industries, including retail fashion, corporate optical and private practice optometry. 

Nancy started her own business, Lead Up Training and Consulting, in 2021, allowing her to leverage all the skills and knowledge acquired over the years. With her consulting business, Nancy was able to do what she loves, help small businesses and their teams be successful, which has always been her main motivation.

Meagan leads the strategic development and implementation of our information management systems. With a strong background in data analytics, she makes sure our clients have access to cutting-edge technology solutions that drive efficiency and growth. Her experience in optimizing information flow and safeguarding data integrity is instrumental in providing our clients with the insights and tools they need to excel. Meagan is dedicated to enhancing our capabilities and supporting our clients’ ongoing success.

Alex brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to every client interaction. With a strong background in event planning and client relations, Alex collaborates closely with our consultants to provide an outstanding experience for each partner. She excels in managing relationships and is known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction. Alex plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term partnerships.

James holds a master’s degree from Leiden University in the Netherlands, where he gained a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and strategic planning. As the Manager of Strategic Programs and Partnerships, he excels in building strong client relationships and driving business growth. 

With a keen insight into client needs and market trends, James works closely with our consulting team to develop tailored strategies that deliver value for our partners. His dedication helps clients receive personalized attention, exceptional support, and needed solutions, enhancing our reputation for excellence.

Kim is one of our Canadian team members, and likes to say that she’s our neighbour (not neighbor!) up North. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in drama from the University of Calgary, but doesn’t feel as though her learning ended when she completed post-secondary studies. She employs the idea of being a lifelong learner, a quality we at Cleinman hold highly, which leads to her innovating, understanding, and creating every day. 

Kim is someone you’ll often hear before you see, and when she’s not filling the office with laughter, she can be found cuddling her dog and cats, or getting lost in the woods.

Cole Currie is our Business Development Manager here with Cleinman and our sister company, Marketing4ECPs. An avid advocate for independent eye care practice owners, he is responsible for welcoming new members to our network and identifying their optimal growth opportunities. When he isn’t working, Cole can usually be found with a good book, cooking a delicious meal, or hiking up a mountain.

Hannah is an Idaho-born, Alberta-living team member with a true passion for event planning. Her desire to always outdo herself is a characteristic we love having on the Cleinman Team. She is thorough and thoughtful with the decisions she makes when planning our Cleinman Performance Network Events. This keeps our events fresh, valuable, and rewarding for every single partner in attendance.

With hundreds of strategic thinking, planning, ideation and problem-solving sessions under his belt, Dick knows how to facilitate groups large and small. His clients include industries across the board, including healthcare, manufacturing, public education, religious, and retail settings. And he’s brought the SolutionsMapping® process (often referred to as “Storyboarding for Solutions”) to facilitation sessions in Costa Rica, England, Germany, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Thailand and the U.S. Before his career as a facilitator, Dick served as Executive Director of a sizeable multi-children’s service agency in Pittsburgh.

Judith brings writing and marketing talent to the table in her role as facilitator. Since the mid-1980s, Judith has worked as a freelance writer and marketing consultant through her company, Communication Works Now. Her focus since 2010 has been on social media, which offers an effective and affordable tool that “levels the playing field” for small businesses, healthcare professionals and non-profit groups. Judith shares her social media skills with her community, serving as Chair-elect and Communications Chair for the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Communications Committee member for Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Social Media Chair for the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa Dolezel is our optical business development and retail management consultant with a passion for leveraging human experience and building strong organizational systems. Certified by Leadership Strategies in group facilitation, Lisa has been with Cleinman for over 5 years, delivering custom consulting and analytics. With nearly 30 years in patient care, team building, healthcare management, and business development, Lisa joined our team and continues to excel in guiding complex business development and management changes.

Following years of experience in customer service, business management and academics, Michelle Sellers began a career in the ophthalmic industry. Today, Michelle supervises the efforts of a team of highly-skilled optometric assistants and opticians who provide unparalleled care to some 45,000 individuals annually in 1 of 3 clinical facilities. Her skill as a licensed dispensing optician is evident from the moment she begins to talk about the profession she loves.

Dave is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves on the boards of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, Southern College of Optometry, and First Eye Care in the DFW Metroplex. Recognized by Optometric Management in 2015 as one of the top 50 most influential people in optometry, Dave retired in 2014 from a 29-year career at Alcon. He also worked at Oscar Mayer Foods and was a professional ski instructor. Dave holds a BA in marketing from Cal State Fullerton and resides in Colleyville, Texas, with his wife Denise. They have 3 daughters and 2 grandsons.

David brings a powerful blend of knowledge and leadership experience to his role as facilitator. During the last 25 years, David successfully held leadership roles in optometric, orthopaedic, urological, and dental group practice operations. With innovative thinking and a proven management style, he delivers positive results across markets, diverse ownership and care teams. In addition to working in the healthcare industry, David is heavily involved in his community, serving as a board member and past president of the Newark Morning Rotary Club in Newark, Delaware, as well as 2015–2016 president-elect of the Research Triangle Park Rotary Club in North Carolina.

Michele owns A Spectacular Gaze, LLC, offering on-site training and inventory management for private practices. She is also an Optician/Supervisor/Optics Educator at the University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Optometry and retired after 20 years. In 2015, Michele was named one of Vision Monday’s 50 Most Influential Women in Optical. She received the Optician of the Year award in 2019, served on the boards of the American Board of Opticianry and National Academy of Opticianry, and is an ABO-approved speaker and Honored Fellow of the Optician’s Association of America.

A former journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper executive, Rich transitioned to consulting and facilitation, where he met Al Cleinman in 1995. Joining Cleinman in 2003, Rich has facilitated numerous OD groups, led internal planning sessions, emceed Business of Eyecare Forums, and developed staff training on customer service and team development. He also worked on Strategic Review implementation and created the first Cleinman ManagementWorks Group. Semi-retired since 2020, Rich continues to handle special consulting assignments and facilitation for Team Cleinman.

Before joining Cleinman, Brett served in the Air Force, developed marketing strategies in publishing, co-founded a publisher rep firm, and was a news director. Introduced to Al Cleinman by the Mayor of Oneonta, Brett sought a role with a tangible impact. He appreciates the passion of Team Cleinman and values optometrists’ dedication. Outside work, Brett enjoys spending time with his family.

Mary is a seasoned industry consultant specializing in leadership development with over 40 years of experience in the eye care field. For the past 30 years, she has focused on leadership development and staff training, working with hundreds of practices across the US and Canada. Mary has trained thousands of practice leaders and paraoptometrics, driven by her passion for helping people realize their full potential and exceed their expectations. Mary has the distinction of being recognized as one of Vision Monday’s 50 Most Influential Women in Optical.

Dr. Carlson was the first woman to serve as President of the American Optometric Association, a major milestone in the eye care health industry. Most recently, she was a 2019 recipient of Women of Optometry’s Theia Award for Leadership. In addition to her optometric leadership, Dr. Carlson is a 2020 graduate from the University of Jamestown with a Master of Arts in Leadership, and she is a John Maxwell certified speaker and trainer. She currently speaks on leadership topics and writes a monthly column for Optometric Management entitled: Inspired. Lead. Succeed. Despite her busy schedule speaking and advocating for the profession, she continues to see patients in her practice, Heartland Eye Care, PC.

For over 3 decades, Michael has been in the trenches of leadership, building businesses, leading teams, navigating uncertainty, and driving growth. From launching startups to scaling multi-million-dollar companies, Michael’s long career includes playing key roles for over 20 years in the optometric industry, most notably with Vision-Ease Lens and Fantom Optics. For the last 10+ years, Michael has served as the Chair of executive peer groups with Vistage International, and he is an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.