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Council and Committees

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Council of Directors

The Council of Directors (the “Council”) governs the COA. Council members include Registered Opticians appointed by the COA Council and Public Members appointed by the Minister of Health.

The Council is responsible for setting the governing policies and strategic direction of the COA, monitoring the fiscal health of the organization, and ensuring the College meets its mandated obligations under legislation and regulations. Through careful analysis of changes in eye care and the healthcare sector, the Council approves policies and practice standards for opticians to maintain and enhance patient protection.  

The Council works together with the Government of Alberta, other provincial regulatory bodies, and post-secondary institutions.

You can find a list of Council meeting dates and previous meeting minutes here.

Members of Council

Lana_Bentley_Public_Member
Lana Bentley
Public Member

President

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Vacant


Vice President

Margaret Cayenne

RO, RCLP
Past President

Assad Choudhry
RO
Image
Tammy Kohut
CEO and Registrar

Chinedu_Ogbonna_Public_Member
Chinedu Ogbonna

Public Member

Olatunde_Olatona_Public_Member
Olatunde Olatona

Public Member

Scott Smith

Registered Member

Laura Lazenby-Pashko
Registered Member

Interim Vice President
(term expires June 2024)

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Raegan Cerisano

Registered Member

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Vacant

Public Member

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Vacant

Public Member

Picture profile icon. Human or people sign and symbol for template design. Vector illustration.
Vacant

Public Member

Council Appointments

In 2022, the Council adopted an appointment process for registered members as part of the transition of the former ACAO to the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) with a single mandate to protect the public. In accordance with the COA Bylaws, registered members are appointed for a three-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms. Public members are appointed by the Minister of Health. Current terms of office for the Council are as follows:


Council Member

Appointing Authority

Appointed

Term

Expiry

Lana Bentley (Public Member)

Minister of Health

2020

1

2024

Margaret Cayenne (Registered Member)

COA Council

2022

2

2025

Assad Choudhry (Registered Member)

COA Council

2022

1

2025

Reagan Cerisano (Registered Member)

COA Council

2023

1

2026

Laura Lazenby-Pashko (Registered Member)

COA Council

2023

1

2026

Scott Smith (Registered Member)

COA Council

2023

1

2026

Chinedu Ogbonna (Public Member)

Minister of Health

2021

2

2026

Olatunde Olatona (Public Member)

Minister of Health

2021

1

2024

Public Member (Vacant)

Minister of Health

Public Member (Vacant)

Minister of Health

Public Member (Vacant)

Minister of Health

Committees and Hearing Tribunals

In addition to the Council, the COA establishes committees and tribunals in accordance with the Health Professions Act, Opticians Profession Regulation, and COA Bylaws to support the governance of the organization and the regulation of opticians in Alberta.

View the COA Council Committees Terms of Reference (including SOP Focus Group).

Executive Committee

Governance and Audit Committee 

Registration and Competence Committee

HPA Membership List (Tribunals)