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Chief Executive Officer
Dale Cleaver
“To have the opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most iconic organisations is most definitely a career highlight. It is an honour to work alongside such a dedicated team who live and breathe our values, and who are committed to improving the lives of people with low vision and blindness with heart and authenticity.
The role of CEO draws on my passion and experience in transformational organisational change; building on the 60 year successful heritage of Guide Dogs, and further developing its people, products, services, systems and governance, to ensure it remains relevant and customer centric for current and future generations.
Seeing our Clients achieve their goals in life and be a partner in their journey, makes it easy for me to come to work each day.”

Head of Services
Annette Clarke
“I believe in the importance of empowering people who have low vision and blindness to live their best lives and to have choice and control related to the services they access to achieve this. Being part of the Guide Dogs team means I get to work in an exciting, ever changing environment where technology is creating new opportunities.”

Head of People & Culture
Joan Lynch
“People want to be passionate about what they do, and they want to be surrounded by people who are also passionate about what they do. That’s what it feels like working here at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
It’s my belief that every person has the potential to make a positive difference. As the Head of People & Culture I have an opportunity to foster that potential in our workforce and contribute to keeping the passion alive. And how many of us are so lucky that when we tell people where we work it inevitably brings a smile to their face.”

Head of Marketing & Communications
Charlie Spendlove
“It is a privilege to work for Guide Dogs and to promote the life changing services we provide. Every adult and child with low vision or blindness has the right to an equitable life, full of opportunity and community.
Seeing people achieve their goals in life and be part of their journey makes it easy to come to work each day.”

Head of Fundraising and Insights
Gary Bristow
“Everyone deserves the freedom to live the life of their choosing, regardless of their level of vision.
Every day I’m amazed at the generosity of our donors, incredible people with a passion for making a difference.
At Guide Dogs I feel privileged to connect donors to the joy of giving… because every gift, however big or small, helps our clients live their best lives.”

Head of Strategy
Lauren Peacock
”Having spent all my career in the corporate world, it has been an incredible fulfilling experience to work with one of Australia’s most iconic charities delivering the biggest impact for people with low vision and blindness.
As a passionate dog lover, the additional bonus is puppy cuddles on tap!!”

Chief Financial Officer
Richard Shakespeare
“Having worked internationally for profit maximisation corporations and then governments, I am passionate about having an even higher sense of purpose opportunity to work with a strong branded charity that adds significant value to the community.
Leading the finance function to ensure Guide Dogs achieves its long term strategic and sustainable initiatives in helping the visually impaired is a privilege. Using my commercial, risk and performance management experience, as a trusted stakeholder, will help develop further success for Guide Dogs.”

Head of Canine and Supply Chain Services
Paul Lemlin
“Most of my career has been in Operations and Supply Chain in the corporate sector and I am delighted to have joined the Guide Dogs team. I feel privileged to be part of such a trusted and highly respected organization and to work with a truly committed and enthusiastic team, all passionate about supporting our clients in maximizing their independence.”
