Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Jody Whisenant of Gainesville to the State Board of Optometry.

The board is responsible for regulating licensed optometrists in Georgia. It reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state, according to the Secretary of State's office.

Whisenant is a partner in Eye Care Associates, P.C., a comprehensive optometry practice. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, as well as a member and past president of the Georgia Optometric Association and the 9th District Optometric Society.

Whisenant has a doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry.