Leadership Change at Guide Dogs for the Blind

Dear Friend of GDB,

On Monday, July 15 Bob Burke was named interim president and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB). Burke replaces Paul Lopez, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities. A nationwide search will begin immediately to find a new president and CEO.

Burke has served on the GDB board since 2008, most recently as board chair. As interim president and CEO, he will work closely with the full board, staff, volunteers and the Alumni Association board.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of such an important, world-class organization and I look forward to serving in this interim role,” said Burke. “I’m also looking forward to working with the board, staff and our partners on the search for a new president and CEO.”

George Kerscher, who currently serves as GDB’s vice chair of the board, will take on the interim role of board chair. “We’re grateful to Bob for taking on this expanded role as we search for a new president and CEO,” said Kerscher.

As a first order of business, Bob Burke and the board will be designing the search process in the next few days. GDB will share additional information regarding recruitment efforts as the organization develops a search committee process and timeline; and GDB will communicate regularly with partners, supporters, volunteers and peer organizations locally, nationally and internationally as we conduct our search.

We look forward to continuing GDB’s important work and to announcing a new president and CEO. Thank you again for your continued support of GDB’s work and mission.

Sincerely,
Guide Dogs for the Blind Board of Directors