Senior Leadership

Greg Schmidt

Greg Schmidt, MBA, CEBT

Title/Position
Director of Research & Business Development
Greg is a graduate of Mount Mercy College with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He is the director of research and business development where he oversees the research program, supervises distribution, and is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with local and national corneal transplant surgeons. Greg began working for the eye bank in March 2000.
Esther Baker

Esther Baker, BA, MA, MBA

Title/Position
Executive Director
Esther joined Iowa Lions Eye Bank as executive director in January 2019. Esther has a background in non-profit management and program administration, strategic planning, external relations, communication, change management and program evaluation. Previous roles include executive director of Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa, external relations director of the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, deputy director of the Iowa Tobacco Research Center/Quitline Iowa, and public relations director of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications and Master of Communication. She has also received a Master of Business Administration from the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa.
Adam Stockman

Adam Stockman, MBA, CEBT

Title/Position
Director of Operations
Adam began his career with Iowa Lions Eye Bank in 2003 as a part-time recovery technician and has since served in nearly every technical and operational role within the organization. In his current role as Director of Operations, Adam oversees all clinical operations departments, including Donor Eligibility, Tissue Processing, and Recovery, as well as leading ILEB's Quality Assurance and Compliance program. With over two decades of experience in eye banking, he has a passion for strategic leadership, data-driven process improvements, and has a strong commitment to quality and safety. He has led major multi-center initiatives and contributed to national standard-setting efforts. Adam is also a respected educator and mentor, known for developing strong technical teams and training programs. He is an active contributor to the Eye Bank Association of America, currently serving as Co-Vice Chair of the Accreditation Board and as a member of the Medical Advisory Board.