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Hear more about the work of these special canines.
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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.”
Chief 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.”
Chief Philanthropy and Fundraising Officer
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.”
Chief Marketing Officer
Michael Apte
“For over 60 years Guide Dogs has been here to assist people with vision loss to live an independent life. It’s an honour to work with our dedicated team as they continue to build awareness and provide support.”
Michael has leadership experience in marketing and communications, continuous improvement and customer experience. He has worked in local and global roles, primarily in consumer technology and sensory impairment.
Chief Technology Officer
Glenn Mason
Technology is creating new opportunities for Clients to achieve their goals and live their best lives. It is a privilege to lead the digital transformation journey and work with such a talented team of passionate people who perform exceptionally every day for the benefit of our Clients.
Chief Financial Officer
Lorraine Ruane
At Guide Dogs, it’s a privilege to work for a company that is mainly supported by the community to enhance the lives of people with low vision or blindness.
As a Chartered Accountant for the last 15 years, I have a strong passion for adding value to the business, ensuring the finance functions are at the heart of business decisions.
Chief Legal and Governance Officer
Paula Walsh
“It’s easy to get up every day knowing that you work for an organisation making a positive impact on people’s lives. At Guide Dogs our Board, Executive and staff, as well as donors and volunteers, all share a common passion – to make a difference. I have over 30 years’ experience in Corporate Governance and Restructuring across Telecommunications, Investment Banking and not-for profit including listed entities. I champion governance and balance the interests of the Board, Executive and Customer Advisory Panel to help achieve our vision and strategy advising on best practice in governance and compliance.”
Chief People Officer
Gemma Farquhar
“People are at the centre of what we do. Employees, volunteers and Clients are integral in ensuring we can continue to help each and everyone live the best life they can. For me, People and Culture underpin everything and I am so excited to be part of it here at Guide Dogs.
I am passionate about ensuring our people have a wonderful employee experience and that the People and Culture team support and enable the business to achieve what it needs to. I strive to build and develop high performing teams who connect to the customer vision.
Having had several years working in complex People and Culture environments I have significant experience in the end-to-end People & Culture function.”
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Kate Fisher
My career stems from Event Management in the corporate sector, moving into the EA space once I had a family; a move I have relished. I have always had a strong desire to help people so working for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was, and is, been a perfect fit. Working for Dale Cleaver, CEO, is an absolute privilege as we continuously work to enhance the lives of our Clients.
Executive Assistant to the CFO, CMO and CPFO
Leanne Herbert
Having held a successful career as administration business partner to senior executives within the global commercial world, I am beyond excited to be part of this iconic Australian charity where what we do every day has a clear direct path in supporting those with low vision or blindness. As Executive Assistant to the Centre of Excellence Executives, leading three integral business streams, I am immensely proud to be part of the success and longevity of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Not to mention the many moments of pure joy seeing a happily wagging furry tail every day!
