In June 2014, Rob Ohlson was announced as new Chair of the Operation Eyesight Canada Board of Directors. We are delighted to have Rob, our former Vice Chair, lead our volunteer directors as they provide strategic direction to assist us in fulfilling our mission to eliminate avoidable blindness.
We checked in with Rob to get the scoop on why he became involved with Operation Eyesight and what he’s looking forward to in his new role as Board Chair.
Q. What inspired you to join the Board of Directors?
A. I’ve been a supporter of Operation Eyesight since 2005, and I’ve made one trip to India and three trips to Africa. So when I was asked to be part of the Board, I was thrilled to be able to work more closely with the organization. I’ve always been very impressed at how far Operation Eyesight can stretch a dollar and the massive effect we are able to achieve with the resources we have.
Q. What is one of the most important things you have learned through your involvement with Operation Eyesight?
A. The most important, and really amazing, thing I’ve learned while being involved with Operation Eyesight is how much a relatively small group of people can achieve with a simple vision and an enormous amount of hard work. It’s been a significant inspiration in all areas of my life.
Q. What are some of the challenges Operation Eyesight will face in the next two years? How will these challenges be overcome?
A. We’re challenged with promoting the organization to a wider demographic and sharing our story with a larger audience. This is currently being addressed with the addition of fresh, young team members with great ideas.
Q. What are you most looking forward to as the new Chair of the Board?
A. I look forward to promoting the organization to a wider demographic and sharing our story with more people. I’m also excited to have the opportunity to work closely with such great individuals, both on the Board and within the organization.
Rob is the director and president of Maillot Homes, a Calgary-based custom home builder and land development company. He also worked in the oil and gas services industry for four years.
He grew up in Tripoli, Libya; Calgary, Canada; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which helped enhance his understanding of cultural and development issues. Rob founded the Bob Ohlson Centre for Sight in Visakhapatnam, India and spent three months visiting projects in Africa. He has a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the University of Calgary.