Pioneering a New Era: Kare Leies Appointed as CEO of the Renowned Seeing Eye
In a significant move, Kare Leies, the outgoing chief of external affairs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, has been named the new CEO of the Seeing Eye, the world's oldest guide dog school. Leies' appointment marks a pivotal moment in the organization's history, as she takes the helm from the retiring Margaret "Peggi" Howard, who has served as CEO and president since December 2021.Unlocking the Transformative Power of the Human-Canine Bond
Kare Leies: A Proven Leader with a Passion for Empowering Individuals
Kare Leies brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the human-canine bond to her new role as CEO of the Seeing Eye. With over 25 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, Leies has honed her skills in areas such as board relations, revenue generation, marketing, communications, and volunteer management. Her previous roles at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the New York City Ballet, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and Jazz at Lincoln Center have equipped her with the expertise and vision to lead the Seeing Eye into a new era of growth and innovation.Honoring the Seeing Eye's Legacy of Excellence
The Seeing Eye has long been recognized as the gold standard in breeding and training guide dogs, establishing an undeniable reputation for excellence. Leies expressed her deep honor in joining this dedicated community of graduates, staff, volunteers, and donors, all of whom are committed to building upon the organization's rich history and continuing to provide life-changing services to individuals with visual impairments.Embracing the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Leies takes on the role of CEO, she will be tasked with navigating the evolving landscape of guide dog services and ensuring that the Seeing Eye remains at the forefront of the industry. This will involve addressing the unique challenges faced by the organization, such as the increasing demand for guide dogs, the need for innovative training methods, and the ongoing efforts to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the Seeing Eye's programs.Leveraging Expertise and Passion to Drive Transformative Change
Leies' extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, coupled with her deep appreciation for the human-canine bond, positions her as the ideal leader to guide the Seeing Eye into the future. Her proven track record in revenue generation, marketing, and volunteer management will be instrumental in securing the resources and support necessary to expand the organization's reach and impact.Fostering a Collaborative and Inclusive Culture
As the new CEO, Leies will be responsible for fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture within the Seeing Eye, ensuring that all stakeholders – from graduates and staff to volunteers and donors – feel empowered and valued. By cultivating a shared vision and a sense of community, Leies aims to harness the collective expertise and passion of the Seeing Eye's network to drive transformative change and enhance the lives of individuals with visual impairments.Embracing Innovation and Adaptability
In an ever-evolving landscape, Leies recognizes the importance of embracing innovation and adaptability. She will work closely with the Seeing Eye's team to identify and implement cutting-edge technologies, training methods, and service delivery models that will enable the organization to stay ahead of the curve and continue to provide the highest quality of care and support to its clients.Strengthening Partnerships and Expanding Reach
Leies' extensive experience in building and nurturing strategic partnerships will be invaluable as she leads the Seeing Eye. By forging strong collaborations with other organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, Leies aims to expand the Seeing Eye's reach and ensure that its life-changing services are accessible to a wider audience.
