Staff

Jim Zieba, J.D.
Executive Director

Jim Zieba has served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Optometric Association (IOA) since September 2005. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Purdue University, his Juris Doctor degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, and his Master of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College.

Prior to coming to the IOA, Jim was the Director of Government Relations and Legal Counsel for the Indiana State Medical Association, Director of Education Policy for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and an associate attorney with Bowen & Mader of Richmond, Indiana.  He is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana and the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

Mr. Zieba recently retired as a colonel from the Indiana Army National Guard after 27 years of service.  During his military career, Jim deployed overseas on three occasions (Bosnia, Afghanistan and Kuwait) and served in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey.  The last position Jim held was as the State Staff Judge Advocate of the Indiana National Guard.  

Marilyn Carter
Deputy Executive Director

Marilyn Carter rejoins the IOA to serve as the executive director during Jim Zieba’s military deployment until the spring of 2020. Marilyn was previously with the IOA from 2011-2013. Marilyn served as the infant mortality liaison at the Indiana State Department of Health under health commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams, now U.S. Surgeon General. She also was the director of communications and public relations at the Indiana State Medical Association. Her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University is in political science and communications. Marilyn was a reporter at WRTV in Indianapolis for 15 years. She is a native Hoosier hailing from northwest Indiana.

DeAnna Ferguson
Director of Administration

DeAnna Ferguson joins the IOA with over 20 years of healthcare experience. The last eight years were dedicated specifically to optometry, as she served as a practice manager in a local optometry office. DeAnna studied business at Anderson University and has extensive training in medical billing and coding. She currently resides in Carmel with her husband , daughter and 3 dogs.

Lisa Sheridan
Director of Marketing & Communications

Lisa Sheridan has served on the staff of the Indiana Optometric Association as Director of Marketing and Communications since 2014. Prior to the IOA, Lisa provided freelance writing, editing, marketing and social media management, while a stay at home mom. She has worked in several industries in the area of public relations and marketing, including tourism, healthcare, architecture and accounting. She has also served as a copy editor on several publications. Lisa is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and received a Master of Library Science from Indiana University.