LightPath Technologies Inc., a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, and integrator of proprietary optical and infrared components and assemblies, has appointed Alan Symmons to the newly created chief operating officer (COO) position as part of an organizational realignment. Jim Gaynor, LightPath’s president and CEO, said Symmons has played a key role in the company’s operations, manufacturing, acquisition integration, and product development efforts. Symmons' responsibilities as COO include operations, engineering, sales, and marketing. “All of these areas interface with LightPath’s three distinct product groups: molded optics; thermal imaging lens assemblies; and custom optics,” Gaynor said. Symmons' appointment, which became effective July 8, is part of a reorganization of the company’s sales functions and the introduction of a product management initiative. Symmons previously held the titles of vice president of corporate engineering and director of engineering. Prior to joining LightPath in 2006, he was engineering manager at Aurora Optical, a cellphone camera module manufacturer, and held various management engineering positions in injection molded plastic optics at both Applied Image Group and Donnelly Optics.