Outgoing Chief of External Affairs at CFBNJ to begin November 1
Morristown, N.J. – Karen E. Leies, the Chief of External Affairs at Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), has been named the Chief Executive Officer of The Seeing Eye, the world’s oldest guide dog school.
“Karen stood out from a field of impressive candidates,” said Cynthia Bryant, Esq., The Seeing Eye’s Chair of the Board. “Her professional experience, her volunteerism, and her deep appreciation of the love between humans and dogs is the foundation of everything we do at The Seeing Eye.”
Leies brings more than 25 years of experience with non-profit organizations. At CFBNJ, the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, she oversaw Board relations, revenue, marketing, communications, and volunteer functions as Chief of External Affairs. Prior to that, she was the Senior Director of Development at the New York City Ballet. She also held executive positions at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
“The Seeing Eye has set the gold standard in breeding and training guide dogs and established its undeniable reputation of excellence,” Leies said. “I am honored to join a dedicated community of graduates, staff, volunteers, and donors who are all committed to building on this rich history in the years ahead.”
Leies, a graduate of Ithaca College and a 2018 LEAD-NJ Fellow, also volunteers with Women Fighting Hunger and the New Jersey Ballet. She lives in South Orange with her family, including two golden retrievers, Lexi and Finnegan.
She will begin as CEO of The Seeing Eye on November 1, replacing Margaret E.L. “Peggi” Howard, D.Litt., who announced her upcoming retirement earlier this year. Howard, a member of the Board of Trustees since 2009, has served as President & CEO since December 2021. She will remain with the organization as an adviser until the end of the year.
Howard had previously served as Vice President of Administration and University Relations at Drew University until her retirement in 2014, and before that, as New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary from 1984 to 1990.
“It’s time to return to retirement and to being a full-time grandma… and a part-time volunteer at The Seeing Eye,” said Howard, a resident of Whitehouse Station.
Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind. Seeing Eye dog handlers experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts.
The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can only be used to describe the dogs bred and trained at the school’s facilities in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, please visit the website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.
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