Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which is based in Yorktown Heights, has announced that Christopher Perry will join the organization as its new president and CEO effective Nov. 3. Since 2018, Perry has served as president and CEO of Spectrum for Living, a New Jersey nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Eduardo Andrade has been serving as interim president and CEO at Guiding Eyes for the Blind following the departure of Thomas Panek, who this year became president and CEO of Lighthouse Guild.
"Guiding Eyes for the Blind empowers individuals with vision loss by pairing them with extraordinary service dogs that promote greater independence," said Perry. "I am deeply humbled to have been selected as their president and CEO, and I look forward to working with the organization's board, staff, and the broader community to ensure the success of every student graduate and guide dog who walks through our doors."
Perry is a former civil defense litigator and current member of the New York State Bar. He holds received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Skidmore College, a law degree from Washington University School of Law, and a master's degree in nonprofit management from The New School.
During his career, he held executive director positions at Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area, College Summit New York, and Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York. He began his nonprofit career at Covenant House New York.
"His deep commitment to social impact and his strategic leadership experience make him the ideal person to guide our organization into its next chapter," said John Donnelly, board chair for Guiding Eyes.
Guiding Eyes has more than 150 employees and about 2,000 volunteers. It has its offices and a training center on a 10-acre site in Yorktown Heights. In also has a Canine Development Center in Patterson, as well as an Urban Training Center in White Plains. It has provided an estimated 10,000 guide dogs to people with vision loss since its founding in 1954. The organization's services are provided free of charge. Guiding Eyes notes that depends on contributions for the bulk of its financial support.