Chief Executive Officer’s message
You might be surprised to see a new face and name in this section.
After nearly 19 years leading Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Joe Finucane stepped down from this role at the end ofSeptember. During Joe's tenure, the number of services delivered to clients increased more than six-fold, and the number of working Guide Dogs almost tripled.
Joe's strategic insight has led to numerous worthwhile initiatives that have enhanced and enriched the range of services offered to the community. Certainly, under Joe's leadership, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has grown into anextremely strong organisation with excellent positioning within the sector. It also has the potential and resources to continue to grow to meet the expanding needs of those people in our region who have impaired vision or are blind.
The Board has appointed me Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, effective October 1. I will also be continuing in my current position as Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs Victoria, a role I have held since 2005.
The strategy behind having a single CEO for the two organisations is to encourage them to collaborate and work together; to learn from each other; to find efficiencies and improvements; to exchange ideas; and to increase our buying power and influence. And this is being totally driven by the two organisations' shared mission to improve the quality of life of those living with impaired vision.
My plan is to meet everyone over the first few months, and to communicate openly the Boards' and my thoughts regarding opportunities, objectives and results. I look forward to learning more about the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT operation and the communities it serves.
Graeme White
Chief Executive Officer