[Jobs] GDB Message and Job

[David Andrews]

Would love to see a blind person filling this job below. 

Judy Jones 

----- Original Message ----- 

From: 
Guide Dogs for the Blind 

To: 
judy.t.jones at earthlink.net 

Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 11:01 AM

Subject: A message from Guide Dogs' CEO Bob Phillips to all alumni

Dear Judy,

By now many of you may have heard about my decision to retire from GDB effective in October of 2007. Because it was leaked to listservs, my intent to send
a special message from me to you, our Alumni, was delayed. What an honor and opportunity it has been and continues to be for me to serve this incredible
organization. How can I ever forget my first week on the job when I met graduate Vivian, then 83 years young, getting her ninth guide. Meeting so many
of you over the years in class, in travels, at conferences, and events, has enriched my life and inspired me to drive changes at GDB and in the field in
general. And of course my lifetime high was attending class with a few of you, under blindfold, and working with my guide Tucker. I learned more about
myself over that four day period than at any other time in my life.

Guide Dogs has come a long way. Yes, I believe we are using our power of partnering to improve quality of life better than we ever have in the past. We
have always been a Guide Dog School, but now I think we are more like a Guide Dog University. I am proud of the evolution of our Alumni Association and
the excitement of new Chapters forming across the country. By expanding our vision, we have also expanded who we are, what we stand for, and what we do.
We discovered families with blind children; forged new partnerships with you, our alumni; strengthened relationships with many agencies and forged many
new friendships with consumer organizations. We are on our way. Our vision is compelling. Our direction is true. Our staff, volunteers and Alumni are on
board.

So my friends, this is a good time to say farewell. In looking forward, I see a bright future for GDB, and I also see a bright future for me and my loved
ones. I believe my work here is done and I am ready to transition my role to a new leader for a new day. It is time for me to make a lifestyle choice and
I am enthusiastic about my own potential and future opportunities.

I will remain President and CEO until my replacement is found and the appropriate transition is made. We have many important initiatives in progress and
we will want to continue to implement and advance the high priority programs. I invite you to join me in making this a positive and exciting transition
for GDB. Thank you for everything you have done to enrich my life and experience while serving as your leader. I am very, very blessed to have shared these
years and experiences with you.