Sue Shire.
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LAKELAND, Tenn.—The Opticians Association of America announced that Sue Shire of Michigan has been named the 2017 OAA State Leader of the Year.

Shire has worked in the optical industry since 1977, beginning in Illinois and later in Michigan where she moved in 1998. In Michigan, she works for an optical practice in Dowagiac. She joined the board of the Opticians Association of Michigan in 2006 and serve as president. She also has served on the OAA board of directors since 2012. She also chairs the OAA’s communications committee.

The OAA’s State Leader of the Year Award is the highest honor and the most prestigious award the national association bestows upon an individual. The award is given annually to an individual who has displayed extraordinary and outstanding service to their home state, the OAA and the profession of opticianry. This award was first given out in 1994, and Shire represents the 24th State Leader of the Year designee.

Separately, OAA named Opticians Association of Vermont as the winner of its 2017 State Website of the Year award. The website that is honored must meet certain criteria, ranging from professional quality and appearance to its overall contribution of opticianry, according to OAA.

Established in 1926, OAA is the only national organization representing opticianry's business, professional, educational, legislative and regulatory interests.