Sean Poppoff
Lions Gift of Sight
Candidate Bio
Sean Poppoff has served the eye banking community for over five years. First, as the Administrator for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota, and as both Interim- and Executive Director of Lions Gift of Sight. Prior to his tenure in Minnesota, Sean served in a variety of roles, most recently as the Center Business Manager for the Center for Integrative Brain Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Sean earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of California San Diego. Sean lives in the suburbs of the Twin Cities with Haylee, his wife, his four kids and one granddaughter.
Candidate Statement
Yes, I am a relative newcomer to the field of eye banking. Despite this, I know I can contribute to our collective future by having a voice on the Board of Directors for the Eye Bank Association of America.
My journey into eye banking started with my being deployed to support Lions Gift of Sight (nee, Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) as it faced a competitive environment for the first time in its nearly sixty-year history. What started as a journey in adversity has come full circle. I am fortunate to not only have this responsibility but to have a passion for our profession and a deeply rooted understanding of the changes we make, every day, in people’s lives.
Lions Gift of Sight has been a microcosm of eye banking and the changes, challenges and opportunities that face our profession in whole. I have used my role to champion renewed relationships with other eye banks and to move our industry forward; ready to not only face today’s challenges but unseen challenges that are sure to come.
I am grateful for your consideration to let me serve our Association, its members, and by extension, all of eye banking.
Prior Service
- 2020 – Present: Eye Bank Association of America Finance Committee
