Guiding Eyes Appoints Chief Operations Officer

Formerly the organization’s director of veterinary services, Sandler has been a Guiding Eyes team member since 1990.

As COO, Sandler will oversee key operations at Guiding Eyes’ main campus in Yorktown Heights as well as at its Canine Development Center in Patterson.

Charged with sustaining a healthy dog population across the organization, Sandler will supervise the managers of Guiding Eyes’ breeding kennel, whelping kennel, veterinary hospital, brood stud program, resource administration and facilities.

In addition, Sandler will provide leadership in the strategic planning process and implementation of new programmatic initiatives.

“Jody has been instrumental to our organization’s success for decades,” said Thomas Panek, Guiding Eyes’ president and CEO. “Given the nature of our work, the role of COO demands the knowledge and expertise of an experienced and caring veterinarian. Jody’s dedication to the health of our dogs and rapport with our graduate community makes him uniquely qualified to take on this important role.”

Sandler has co-authored numerous papers with researchers and clinicians at Cornell University as well as with researchers at the San Diego Zoo’s Institution for Conservation Research.

Last year, his veterinary department was awarded Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine’s Booker Willoughby Service Award for the exceptional care and support provided to Guiding Eyes dogs and graduates.

Sandler serves as a mentor for veterinary students at Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor's degree in biology from Binghamton University and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“For almost 25 years, I have had the honor and privilege to work with inspiring colleagues, volunteers and graduates,” said Sandler. “In my new role, I hope to help steer Guiding Eyes to greater success by touching more lives with our amazing dogs and programs.”  

Click here to follow Daily Voice Yorktown and receive free news updates.