Earnie Franklin.

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision has announced the passing of Earnie Franklin, its chief operating officer. Franklin, 61, passed away on February 2, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, according to the announcement. “Earnie will be deeply missed by the entire VSP family, our industry, and the countless others he positively impacted throughout his incredible life and career,” said Michael Guyette, VSP Vision's president and CEO. “He was an exceptional leader, driven by integrity, care for others and focus on business transformation. His legacy will not be forgotten, and our hearts and thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

Franklin joined VSP Vision in 2018, and most recently served as chief operating officer, leading supply chain strategy and operations through which he helped advance critical integration and alignment across the global organization. Prior to that, he served as chief technology officer and president of Eyefinity.

A leader for more than two decades, Franklin came to VSP Vision from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, bringing with him expertise in health care and technology. He led IT and information security efforts at Triserv Alliance LLC, a start-up focused on helping health care companies bid on Tricare contracts. Franklin was instrumental in leading a growth strategy that delivered record results during his tenure at Incepture, a former subsidiary of Florida Blue, which provided health care staffing, consulting and managed solutions.

In 2024, he received the inaugural Executive Alumnus of the Year Award from the Davis College of Business and Technology at Jacksonville University, where he earned his master’s degree in business administration.

Franklin was committed to many charitable organizations throughout his life, including volunteering with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), where he supported the Purple Stride events to help raise funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. A longtime advocate for diabetes research, he was named the 2020 One Party Gala honoree by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Northern California for his dedication and passion to help find a cure.

VSP Vision and its board of directors said they are making a donation in Franklin’s memory to PanCAN. Those who also wish to make a donation can consider the following organizations he supported: PanCAN, BreakthroughT1D, Autism Speaks and V for Victory.

Franklin was a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and is survived by his wife and their two sons. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Chet’s Creek Church, 4420 Hodges Blvd., Jacksonville, Fla.