Veteran Business Development Executive Joins Lions Eye Institute as CMO

The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research has announced the hiring of its first Chief Marketing Officer, Art Kurz, to strengthen the organization’s business development activities.

Mr. Kurz, a former U.S. Air Force medic and graduate of Towson University, comes to Lions Eye Institute with an extensive clinical background spanning more than 35 years in organ and tissue recovery, processing and transplantation. He will lead domestic and international business development, tissue distribution, as well as clinical innovation.

“I am committed to honoring the generosity of donors and donor families and passionate about bringing life-enhancing promise to people in need. I am excited to join the Lions Eye Institute’s team because of their commitment to their mission to fight preventable blindness,” Mr. Kurz said in a news release. “This is a company with a rich history of service and innovation and it is a perfect time to lead its business development strategy.”

Lions Eye Institute grew its international tissue distribution last year to more than 80 countries around the world. Mr. Kurz’s business development and marketing experience will help the company to maximize its ability to bring the gift of sight to people both domestically and internationally.

“Bringing Art Kurz to Lions Eye Institute is an important step for the company as we continue to grow,” Jason Woody, President and CEO of Lions Eye Institute, said in the news release. “His leadership will help us bring our best in class services to corneal surgeons across the country and around the world to improve clinical outcomes.”

“Art’s arrival at Lions Eye Institute is an indication of this company’s growing influence in the transplant field,” said Matthew Crump, Chief Operating Officer at Lions Eye Institute. “This is an important role in the future of this company and we are proud to have Art joining our mission to change lives around the world.”