Heather Kowalczyk Named Among Most Influential Women in Optical
Heather Kowalczyk, APR, vice president at McDougall Communications, has been named to Vision Monday magazine’s 2024 Most Influential Women in Optical list. For the past 22 years, the publication has recognized 40 women annually from across the global eye care industry for the honor.
Kowalczyk was specifically acknowledged for her behind-the-scenes roles leading public relations, brand, and creative strategies for a range of optometry- and ophthalmology-focused clients. Over the past decade, she has been at the center of multiple contact lens and amniotic membrane introductions, ocular health and sustainability initiatives, and cross-industry partnerships for the likes of CooperVision, BioTissue, Lumenis, Optometry Giving Sight, and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation.
“Heather’s collaboration with journalists, scientists, marketing executives, and educators sparks intrigue and innovation,” said Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, FAAO, president of McDougall Communications. “It’s a near certainty that almost everyone in the optical profession has read stories she wrote and participated in programs she conceived—yet likely didn’t know her name. While our preference is for clients to be front and center, we’re thrilled that the spotlight is shining on Heather for a few moments—recognition for a colleague and friend who every day makes this entire industry more knowledgeable, more capable, and more successful.”
Kowalczyk and other current and past honorees will be celebrated at an awards luncheon during the Vision Expo West conference in Las Vegas in mid-September.
Prior to joining McDougall Communications in 2014, Kowalczyk held communications roles with regional agencies as well as St. John Fisher University. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from the State University of New York College at Fredonia, and is a past president of the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Kowalczyk currently resides in Fairport, N.Y., with her husband and three children.
McDougall Communications (mcdougallpr.com) assists clients across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific to meet their business objectives through a range of communications services, including strategic planning, media and influencer relations, reputation and crisis counsel, and social media management. A partner in the Worldcom Public Relations Group, it is the most senior standalone public relations and reputation management firm in Upstate New York and its work regularly shapes global communications advancements.
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