Sandy Brown is transitioning into the role of CEO of EYE-Q Vision Care. Photos via EYE-Q, New Covenant Community Church, photo illustration by Cynthia Padilla

Fresno-based EYE-Q Vision Care announced Tuesday it is undergoing a transition in executive leadership with the impending retirement of longtime CEO Julie Cleeland.

Sandy Brown steps into the CEO role from the world of financial advising with Merrill Lynch wealth management, according to an EYE-Q news release. Brown is also a business instructor at Clovis Community College and is the pastor of finance and business administration at New Covenant Community Church in Fresno, “where he has a proven track record of stewarding finances for the church and congregation,” according to the release.

The CEO transition begins this month and is expected to last a year, with Cleeland retiring at the end of 2023 after a decade of services.

“The Cleeland Chapter is one of growth, innovation and perseverance,” stated Dr. Campbell Waldrop, board president. “EYE-Q has had the honor of having Julie at the helm for 10 pivotal years. During her time as CEO, Cleeland has brought great success to EYE-Q, including accomplishing the expansion of our offices to Clovis, which has become the second busiest office.”

Brown grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and is married with four children, according to the New Covenant website. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Phoenix and an additional Master’s Degree from Golden Gate University, according to LinkedIn.