The Guide Dog Foundation and its sister organization America’s VetDogs recently appointed John Miller to be president and chief executive officer effective March 12. As president and CEO, Miller will bring experienced leadership in national nonprofits and fundraising to create growth and sustainability in advancing the dual missions of both organizations. Miller succeeds Wells B. Jones, who is retiring after 28 years with the organizations.
Miller joins the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs after serving as national president and CEO of the Tourette Association of America (TAA) for the past two years. During his tenure, he set a new strategic direction for the TAA, which resulted in a significant improvement in financial performance.
Prior to TAA, Miller served with honor and distinction as CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island during one of the most important periods in the organization’s 100-year history. He directed the mergers of three independent chapters into one stronger organization and oversaw local responses to high-impact national events, including Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, the two largest disasters in recent Long Island history.
“I am honored to work with both outstanding organizations and the entire team at this exciting time, and I look forward to creating even more dynamic and vibrant opportunities that improve the lives of people with disabilities,” Miller said. “I have developed a deep appreciation for the organizations’ people, values and heritage, and look forward to working collectively with everyone at the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs.”
Miller has been recognized for his strong leadership and has been acknowledged as one of the most influential and brightest businessmen on Long Island. In 2015, he was chosen from a nationwide pool of candidates to participate in LEAD, the prestigious American Red Cross National Leadership Education and Development Program. Long Island Business News named him as an Outstanding CEO for 2014 and included him in their list of “40 under 40” in 2013.
Miller attended Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business where he earned his BBA and MBA.
“John has embraced the mission and values that have been the core of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs, and we’re thrilled to have him join our team,” said Don Dea, chair of the boards of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs. “The boards of directors are very confident that John has the leadership to drive both organization’s success in the next chapter.”
For more than 70 years, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision or who have other special needs. The Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to serve people with disabilities. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog, but the Guide Dog Foundation provides its services completely free of charge to the individual.
Its sister organization, America’s VetDogs, trains and provides guide, service and hearing dogs for disabled veterans and first responders. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
