Exciting news from APOMA!

As we set our sights on the future and explore new ways to better serve our incredible membership, the APOMA Board has been hard at work evaluating fresh ideas and opportunities. During this journey, it became clear that our dedicated volunteer board couldn't do it all alone — so we turned to expert support to help guide the way.

We were thrilled to bring on Yvette Pagano as a consultant, tasked with connecting directly with our members to uncover what they truly want from APOMA. From her engaging conversations at Photonics West and Defense and Commercial Sensing, to insightful visits with member companies, Yvette quickly became a familiar and trusted presence in our community. Her infectious energy, professionalism, and passion for our industry have been a perfect match!

Today, we’re proud and excited to share a major milestone: APOMA has created the new position of Executive Director — and we’ve offered this role to Yvette Pagano! We’re even more thrilled to announce that she has accepted! 

Yvette is eager to roll up her sleeves and work alongside the Board to bring our development plan to life — ensuring it reflects the real needs of our members.

Please join us in giving Yvette a warm welcome to the APOMA team! We can’t wait to embark on this exciting new chapter together!

Zachary Hobbs

President, APOMA

A Note from Yvette — APOMA Executive Director

To all our incredible APOMA members — thank you. From the moment I stepped into this role, you’ve welcomed me with open arms and spoken candidly about what this organization means to you. Your honesty, passion, and commitment to our community are what make APOMA so special.

I’m honored to officially begin as APOMA’s first-ever Executive Director on May 1st, 2025. My mission is simple: to deliver real value to you, our treasured members. Get ready — APOMA 2.0 is here, and we’re just getting started.

We recently wrapped up our member survey, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback. One message came through loud and clear: you want more opportunities for VIP-style networking — genuine conversations, no agenda. We heard you.

At the Defense + Commercial Sensing show in Orlando, we brought that vision to life with our first-ever VIP Cocktail Hour. The energy, the openness, and the connection in the room were exactly what so many of you have been craving.

Beyond that, I’ve been actively meeting with government officials to elevate APOMA’s advocacy efforts and working with member companies outside of the Rochester area to support workforce upskilling and technical training.

This is just the beginning — and I’m so proud to be walking this path with you.

Warmly,

Yvette Pagano

Executive Director, APOMA



In case you missed it!

Cerium Oxide and Trade Tensions – Insights from Industry Experts on the US-China Tariffs, by Lee Steneken

Available on the APOMA website, click HERE.

Join APOMA on LinkedIn!

APOMA has a new group on LinkedIn! The group is private, requiring approval upon request to join, but listed on the site if you search for:

APOMA (American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association)

Group weblink: APOMA (American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association) | Groups | LinkedIn

Please spread the word to colleagues and co-workers to join the new group, thank you!

APOMA SPIE DCS Happy Hour!