Canine Companions names Rudy J. Breedy executive director of Northeast Region

New York native Rudy J. Breedy has been named executive director for the Northeast Region of Canine Companions, the nation’s first and largest service dog organization serving adults, children and veterans with disabilities free of charge. 

“I’m truly grateful to have been asked to serve Canine Companions as Northeast Region Executive Director,” said Breedy. “We all share a common goal here: to place more of our remarkable dogs with those in need –– one act of generosity at a time.”

“We’re excited to move Canine Companions’ mission forward under Rudy’s leadership,” said Northeast Region Advisory Board president Heidi Petschauer. “Our board is thrilled to work with him to continue advancing the mission of Canine Companions!”

Breedy has over 25 years of experience as a philanthropy professional and comes to Canine Companions from Suny Ulster Community College Foundation as the executive director of Institutional Advancement. Breedy has held progressive philanthropy positions throughout his career with some of the non-profit giants including March of Dimes, Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Club.  In addition to his philanthropy expertise, Breedy is bringing a wealth of experience to Canine Companions, including board development, volunteer recruitment and management, media relations, marketing, community outreach, and staff management which includes overseeing nine chapter and service center sites in New York while he was with the American Red Cross.

Breedy grew up in New York and lives on Long Island. He received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Manhattanville University and his Master of Public Health - Administration from the Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management & Urban Policy in New York. 

National nonprofit Canine Companions is celebrating 50 years of empowering people with disabilities to live with greater independence. Canine Companions invented the concept of the modern service dog in 1975 and has placed more than 8,200 expertly trained dogs at no cost to clients, entirely supported by donations. Today, as America’s first and largest provider of service dogs, Canine Companions leverages seven locations across the country to serve adults, children and veterans with disabilities as well as professionals working in health care, law enforcement and educational settings in all 50 states. Volunteer, donate and learn more at canine.org.