The Seeing Eye’s Leadership Team
James A. Kutsch, Jr., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer
James Kutsch joined The Seeing Eye in September 2006 as President and Chief Executive Officer. Kutsch was previously Vice President of Strategic Technology at Convergys Labs. There he was responsible for evaluating new and emerging technologies and incorporating them into company services.
Before joining Convergys, Kutsch served as Vice President of Computing and Network Services and later Chief Information Officer at AT&T Universal Card Services. Earlier in his AT&T career, he was a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Bell Labs. Kutsch was a Professor of Computer Science at West Virginia University from 1976-1979.
Prior to assuming the role of President at The Seeing Eye, he served 10 years on the organization’s Board of Trustees. He has lectured nationally on disability awareness, adaptive technology, and advocacy. He has made extensive contributions in product accessibility evaluations, and has published several articles in various professional journals. Kutsch designed and developed the first talking computer for blind computer users in 1975 as his doctoral dissertation research.
Kutsch earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Computer Science from West Virginia University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois.
Peggy Gibbon, Director of Canine Development
Peggy Gibbon is the Director of Canine Development overseeing canine genetics, early enrichment for newborn puppies at the Breeding Station, the Puppy Development Division, the Washington Valley kennels, and adoptions.
Gibbon joined The Seeing Eye in 1983 as an Apprentice Instructor. She was later responsible for teaching apprentice instructors for 10 years and managed the Puppy Development Division for a short time. Peggy has a B.S. in Animal Science from Cook College of Rutgers University.
Dolores Holle, VMD, Director of Canine Medicine & Surgery
Dolores Holle, VMD, joined The Seeing Eye in April 1991 as Director of Canine Medicine & Surgery and Attending Veterinarian. In this capacity, she is responsible for the overall management of the canine health care system, from birth of a puppy through placement of the dog with a blind person.
Prior to joining The Seeing Eye, Dr. Holle worked in a small animal hospital practice and in emergency medical care. The Seeing Eye was not new to Dr. Holle, who selected The Seeing Eye as the topic of her Honors Program Presentation as an undergraduate at The College of St. Elizabeth. She did graduate level work at the University of Minnesota and received her Veterinary Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Randall Ivens, Director of Human Resources
Randy Ivens, The Seeing Eye’s Human Resources Director, joined the staff in June 1998. A native of Morristown, N.J., Ivens grew up watching the work of The Seeing Eye. In addition to managing the traditional human resources functions, he also oversees volunteer management and the nursing staff.
Ivens arrived at The Seeing Eye after 24 years with Prudential in a number of human resources capacities including recruiting, employee relations, compensation, training and development and organizational development. He holds a B.A. degree in business and economics from Marietta College.
David Johnson, Director of Instruction & Training
David Johnson is the Director of the Instruction & Training Department which encompasses the training of dogs, instruction of students, admissions, and follow-up services for graduates. Johnson has been with the organization since 1984, including eight years as a senior manager supervising teams of instructors.
Johnson is a New Jersey native and holds a degree in Animal Care from Becker College in Massachusetts.
Richard “Bud” Liptak, Director of Facilities Management
Richard “Bud” Liptak began his tenure as Director of Facilities Management in June 1995. He came to The Seeing Eye after 10 years as Facilities Manager at Crum & Forster Corp. in Morristown, N.J. He has also worked in similar capacities for Xerox, General Motors and the Otis Elevator Company.
Liptak is responsible for The Seeing Eye physical plant, encompassing a main campus, breeding station, and downtown training facility. A graduate of Orange County Community College in Middletown, N.Y., Liptak studied architectural technology and building construction. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Robert Pudlak, CFO & Director of Administration & Finance
Robert Pudlak joined The Seeing Eye as Director of Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer in 2008.
Previously, Pudlak served as Chief Financial Officer for Bergen Regional Medical Center, Kessler Rehabilitation Corporation, and Atacama Minerals. Pudlak is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a B.S. in Accounting from Seton Hall University.
Jean Thomas, Director of Donor & Public Relations
Jean Thomas is Director of Donor & Public Relations, overseeing all fundraising and communications programs. She joined The Seeing Eye in 2009.
Thomas previously served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Wyndham Hotel Group and as vice president of marketing for Kraft Foods. She holds an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of California at Los Angeles.