Foundation hires executive director

TAMPA — The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research recently hired JL Wagner to be the executive director of the Lions Eye Institute Foundation.

Wagner recently led development at the Tampa Theatre. She oversaw a campaign that raised $10 million for the theatre's restoration and renovation, according to a press release. She also has event fundraising experience. The Lions Eye Institute Foundation has two main events every year — the Roar Through Ybor 5K and the Eye Ball — that help raise money to fund corneal surgeries.

“JL Wagner's strong background in fundraising and her deep roots in the Tampa Bay community are an important addition to our foundation,” says Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research CEO Jason Woody, who also serves on the foundation board of directors, in a statement.

The nonprofit Lions Eye Institute Foundation advocates for people who are blind and visually impaired worldwide through outreach, education, treatment and research.