Candidate Bio
Eric Meinecke serves as President and CEO of the Georgia Eye Bank, where he leads the organization’s efforts to restore sight through corneal transplantation, research, and education. With more than two decades of experience in eye banking and nonprofit healthcare leadership, Eric has dedicated his career to advancing the mission of eye banking and expanding access to sight-restoring transplantation.
Under his leadership, the Georgia Eye Bank has strengthened its clinical partnerships, enhanced operational performance, and expanded its impact in both transplantation and research. Eric works closely with surgeons, hospital partners, and community leaders to ensure the highest standards of donor stewardship, tissue quality, and patient outcomes.
Eric is an active contributor to the broader eye banking community and is committed to advancing collaboration and innovation across the field. His leadership focuses on strategic growth, operational excellence, and ensuring that eye banks remain strong, mission-driven organizations capable of meeting the evolving needs of patients and surgeons.
Eric received his BA in History from the University of Colorado.
Candidate Statement
I have dedicated my career to advancing the mission of eye banking and expanding access to sight-restoring transplantation. As President and CEO of the Georgia Eye Bank, I have had the privilege of working alongside surgeons, eye bank professionals, hospital partners, and donor families who share a commitment to restoring vision and improving lives.
My experience in eye banking has provided me with a deep appreciation for the important role the Eye Bank Association of America plays in setting standards, supporting member organizations, and advancing innovation across our field. I believe the EBAA Board of Directors has a critical responsibility to help guide the profession through an evolving healthcare landscape while maintaining the highest levels of safety, quality, and ethical stewardship.
If elected, I would focus on strengthening collaboration among eye banks, supporting sustainable operational models, and encouraging innovation that expands access to transplantation both in the United States and globally. I also believe it is important that the Board continue to engage and support the dedicated professionals who make eye banking possible every day.
Prior Service
- 2016 – Present – Accreditation Board (Chair 2016 – 2018)
- 2024 – 2026 – Finance Committee
- 2023 – 2024 – Accreditation Modernization Workgroup
- 2022 – 2023 – Member Value Workgroup
- 2016 – 2024 – Medical Advisory Board
- 2020 – 2022 – Certification Board
- 2020 – 2022 – Policy & Position Review Subcommittee
- 2020 – 2022, 2017 – 2018 – EBAA Board of Directors
- 2016 – 2018 – Continuing Education Committee
- 2014 – 2016 – Legislative and Regulatory Committee
