DETROIT -- Jackee Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Co/op Optical has announced that Charles Benson has been promoted from the position of Senior Vice President, Operations to Chief Operating Officer. This promotion took effect January 1, 2009.

Mr. Benson is a long-tenured employee at Co/op Optical with over 20 years of service with the not-for-profit optical chain in southeast Michigan. Benson has steadily moved up the ranks at Co/op Optical having started as an optician and proceeded to fill multiple roles including Director and Senior Vice President.

In his new role, Benson will oversee the operations of the company including the optical laboratory, facilities and marketing.

A native of Detroit, Benson is an American Board of Optometry (A.B.O.) licensed optician and involved in numerous boards and activities.

Among his many accomplishments, Benson was instrumental in bringing "Freeform" progressive lens technology to Co/op Optical. This revolutionary new technology offers a customized "high definition" lens for patients requiring multifocal lenses.

Jackee Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Co/op Optical has announced that Matt Groen has been promoted from the position of Director of Administrative Services to Executive Director of Administrative Services.

In his new role, the Farmington Hills resident will be responsible for the oversight of the Human Resources, Payroll and Central Files departments along with directing professional communications and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Mr. Groen, who is a 2001 graduate of Grace College (B.S., Communications), has spent two years at Co/op Optical. Since being hired as a Special Projects Manager, Groen has filled multiple positions including Project Manager, Central Files and Assistant General Manager.

Co/op Optical is one of the oldest optical chains in southeast Michigan. Founded in 1960 under the principles of providing a quality product at an affordable price, Co/op Optical has succeeded by blending fair prices and fashionable products. There are 11 Co/op Optical locations throughout metropolitan Detroit. In addition to the retail operations, Co/op Optical offers vision plans through a national network of providers.