Get to Know the NJSOP Team

 

Howard Cooper, Executive Director

Mr. Howard Cooper has served as Executive Director of the NJSOP since August 2008. Prior to coming on-board at NJSOP, Mr. Cooper served as the executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, where he oversaw and managed day-to-day operations for the 650+ member association.

A resident of Bucks County, PA, Mr. Cooper brings with him years of experience and an exceptional track record in government relations and association management. Previously, he represented a statewide membership association based in Harrisburg, PA, and managed the business affairs of a large, county-based chamber of commerce in Somerset, NJ.

After earning a graduate degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College in Manhattan, Mr. Cooper served as an aide to the mayor of Trenton, NJ. He later headed a nonprofit corporation serving a tri-county region in central New Jersey, creating public/private partnerships in the delivery of employment and training programs. Most notable were his efforts to create alliances with trade unions to develop a skilled workforce.

Rebecca Kelly, Director of Public Relations

Ms. Kelly joined the NJSOP staff in November 2003. Ms. Kelly has 13 years of experience in the field of public relations. She serves as the editor of “Eye on New Jersey,” (NJSOP’s members-only bimonthly newsletter) and manages the external and internal public relations programs. In 2004, Ms. Kelly was the recipient of NJSOP’s Communications Award.

Before coming to the NJSOP, Ms. Kelly had her own successful freelance business in which she helped market and promote many small businesses. Prior to freelancing, Ms. Kelly served as a Public Information Officer for the New Jersey General Assembly for five years. From 1993-1996, Ms. Kelly worked as a Public Relations Coordinator for Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.

Ms. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the College of New Jersey in 1993, and also holds an Associates Degree in Psychology from Bucks County Community College.

Ms. Kelly has been a lifelong competitive swimmer and is a member of the United States Masters Swim Team. She and her husband, Jim, reside in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Sharon Kais, Executive Assistant

Ms. Kais joined the NJSOP staff as Executive Secretary in June 1986. She is responsible for office management, staff training, administrative procedures, meeting and seminar management and assisting the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. She serves as staff liaison to the Member Programs Center and the Dr. Leslie Mintz Scholarship Foundation.

Ms. Kais has experienced many changes in optometry throughout her twenty-year tenure with the NJSOP, including the creation of Therapy by the Sea, the passage of the TPA bill in 1992 and the Society’s name change to NJSOP in 1999. She was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award in both 1988 and in 2005.

Ms. Kais enjoys sailing in her leisure time with her husband, Robert, and their son, Cole.