JU Davis College of Business & Technology grad earns inaugural Executive Alumnus of the Year Award

Earnie Franklin, chief operating officer for VSP Vision, was selected to receive the inaugural Executive Alumnus of the Year Award from the Davis College of Business and Technology at Jacksonville University.

"We're pleased to recognize an accomplished business leader with our first Executive Alumnus award from the Davis College of Business and Technology," said Dr. Barbara Ritter, Davis College dean. "Earnie exemplifies all that our graduates can achieve and all that they can become. His impact on the business world and his willingness to give back to the community make him a role model for our current and future alumni."

This award aims to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of Davis College of Business & Technology alumni who exemplify leadership and have made meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. Some of the selection criteria includes professional achievement and societal impact as well as professional achievement.

"JU has been a blessing to our family," said Franklin, "My EMBA degree from the Davis College of Business was a catalyst for my growth as an executive. It's an amazing honor to be recognized by my peers and fellow graduates."

Franklin earned his executive master's degree in business administration from JU. As COO for VSP Vision, a health-centric company that combines eye care insurance, high-quality eyewear, customized lenses, ophthalmic technology and connected experiences to strengthen the relationship between patients and their eye doctors, he leads the organization's supply chain strategy and operations, while driving integration and alignment across the entire global organization.

A leader for more than two decades, Franklin's focus has been on making business strategy a reality through the successful execution and transformation of technology and business operations. In 2018, he joined VSP Vision from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, bringing with him expertise in healthcare and technology that spans from core-business capability platforms to front office and customer relationship management tools.

Previously, he led IT and information security efforts at Triserv Alliance LLC, a start-up focused on helping healthcare companies bid on Tricare contracts. He was instrumental in leading a growth strategy at Incepture, a former, wholly-owned subsidiary of Florida Blue, which provided healthcare staffing, consulting and managed solutions. During his tenure at Incepture, Franklin helped deliver 400 percent revenue growth in a five-year period.

In the community, he's an active participant in PanCan's Purple Stride events to help raise funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. And, as a long-time supporter of type 1 diabetes research, Franklin was named the 2020 One Party Gala honoree by JDRF of Northern California for his dedication and passion to help find a cure.