Lighthouse Guild Appoints Thomas Panek as New President and CEO

Lighthouse Guild announced this morning that Thomas Panek has been appointed as President and CEO, effective April 2025. He succeeds Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, who has served in this role for the past 5 years. 

Mr. Panek has significant leadership experience with a deep commitment to advancing accessibility and independence for people with vision loss. For the past decade, Mr. Panek was the President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that provides specially trained guide and service dogs to individuals with disabilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. His career spans leadership and advisory roles in both government and commercial sectors as well.  

“I am pleased and excited in becoming the President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, which is widely considered the country's preeminent pioneer for vision rehabilitation since its formation in 1905 and continuing to today,” Mr. Panek said in a recent press release. “I foresee an even brighter future. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Lighthouse Guild to expand access to critical services, harness emerging technologies, and create innovative solutions that support independence and opportunity for all.”

Additionally, the organization announced they are particularly excited about his experience in accessibility innovation. Mr. Panek previously led a collaboration with Google to develop Project Guideline, an AI-driven technology enabling individuals who are blind to run independently. With this technology, the first-ever blind person was able to complete a 5K race in New York’s Central Park without the assistance of another human or dog. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Panek as our new CEO,” James M. Dubin, Chairman of the Board of Lighthouse Guild said. “His exceptional track record in leadership, advocacy, and innovation will help propel Lighthouse Guild’s mission forward, ensuring that individuals with vision loss have access to the resources and technology they need to live independent and fulfilling lives.”