Guide Dogs Victoria CEO, Karen Hayes AM DSJ (FAICD) has been appointed to the International Guide Dogs Federation (IGDF) Board after a competitive submission process. The IGDF is the most significant peak body for Guide Dogs associations globally.

Every day across Australia, Guide Dogs, as a mobility aid, provide vital support and enhance the safety and independence of people with low vision or blindness.

On the appointment, Karen Hayes said, “I’m extremely honoured to have been appointed to the IGDF Board and look forward to representing Australia’s low vision and blindness community at a global level,”

“Being a part of the IGDF Board will ensure Guide Dogs Victoria and the broader Guide Dogs Australia network continues to stay at the forefront, providing world-class services that will improve outcomes for our Clients, our dogs, our employees and supporters,” she said.

Against two other highly respected and accomplished Guide Dogs figureheads from around Australia, Karen was named as the successful nominee for Australia. Karen’s submission was then included in a pool of all successful candidates from around the world, at which point the top four candidates were selected. Karen ranked joint second and was appointed.

Karen Hayes is recognised as a dynamic influencer in the Australian Not-for-Profit sector. She has led the Victorian division of Guide Dogs Australia, which has been named Australia’s ‘Most Trusted Charity’ seven times, for almost nine years.

Karen Hayes is also currently a Board member of Multiple Sclerosis Limited, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and a past board member of Vision 2020 Australia.  She is also the President of the VU Western Spurs AFLW Football Club and is one the founders of Breast Cancer Network Australia, playing a pivotal role in the growth of the organisation, and was a co-founder of the Australian chapter of the International Women’s Forum (IWF).