Bryan Markowitz, Executive Director
Bryan Markowitz has served as the Executive director of the Georgia Optometric Association since 2008. He also has the unique circumstance of having served as the executive director for another affiliate (NJ 2002-2008). He was born and raised in Central New Jersey where he graduated from Rutgers University and received his Masters in Public Affairs and Politics from the Bloustein School of Public Policy at Rutgers University. He has always had a passion for politics and public policy even as a small child. He has lobbied two different legislatures since 1993 and always enjoys developing legislative strategies and seeing those strategies implemented to create laws. During his time in Georgia, he has sought to work diligently in order to continue to bring as much value as possible for each and every member of the GOA. Outside of work, Bryan spends a great deal of time with his wife and two children enjoying activities in his home of Decatur.
Vanessa Grosso, Director of Meetings and Operations Manager
Vanessa Grosso is a New York native who moved to Georgia in search of job opportunities (and much warmer weather) after graduating college from SUNY Plattsburgh, where she studied Mass Communication. Vanessa has worked for the Georgia Optometric Association since October 2003, starting as the Meeting and Project Coordinator to the position she holds today as the Director of Meetings and the Associations’ Operations Manager. She openly admits to being a workaholic, but in her downtime is an avid fisher, loves cooking and doing all things creative.
Megan Hughes, Director of Membership and Communications
Megan Hughes lives in Atlanta, GA and graduated from the University of Georgia, Go Dawgs! Before getting involved in the association space, she was an art educator and taught everything from Ceramics to AP Three Dimensional Design. Her passions include spending time in the pottery studio, interior design, laughing with family and friends, and practicing yoga.
