TAMPA, FL (March 16, 2017) – Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research has hired JL Wagner, CFRE, to be the executive director of the Lions Eye Institute Foundation. Wagner’s extensive background in development and fundraising will help lead the Lions Eye Institute Foundation to help even more blind and visually impaired people to restored sight.
The Lions Eye Institute Foundation advocates for the 45 million blind and visually impaired people around the world through outreach, education, treatment and research. In Tampa Bay, the foundation hosts events to support those with impaired vision and raises money to fund corneal surgeries.
“JL Wagner’s strong background in fundraising and her deep roots in the Tampa Bay community are an important addition to our foundation,” said Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research CEO Jason Woody, who also serves on the foundation board of directors. “We are excited to have her on the team to continue the important work of the foundation.”
Wagner recently led development at the Tampa Theatre where she oversaw a campaign that raised $10 million for restoration and renovation of the famous theatre. She also developed experience with special event fundraising. The Lions Eye institute Foundation raises money through at least two primary events annually, the Roar Through Ybor 5K in the spring and the Eye Ball in the fall.
“The Lions Eye Institute Foundation has a wonderful track record of raising money that supports an array of important eye health efforts from advocacy to surgery,” said Foundation Board Chair Chase Stockon. “JL Wagner is an ideal extension of the foundation’s legacy of sharing the gift of sight.”
About the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research (LEITR)
The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research, Inc., (LEITR) is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the recovery, evaluation and distribution of eye tissue for transplantation, research and education. LEITR’s Eye Bank, located in Tampa, Fla., is one of the only combined eye bank and ocular research center in the world. Since its inception, it has brought the “Gift of Sight” to more than 67,000 men, women and children worldwide. For more information, visit www.lionseyeinstitute.org.