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Executive Leadership Team
Leading our organisation forward.
Our Executive Leadership Team is responsible for implementing the strategy set by the Board. The Team ensures that performance goals are met and that our work and programs are undertaken efficiently, effectively and sustainably.
Chief Executive Officer
Nicky Long
Nicky Long joined Guide Dogs Victoria as CEO in April 2023 with an impressive track record in the disability and non-profit sectors. She brings experience and drive to lead Guide Dogs Victoria into the future, combined with a deep passion and commitment to empower people living with a disability.
Prior to commencing with Guide Dogs Victoria, Nicky was CEO of Expression Australia, and held roles in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and not for profit sectors – including Inaugural CEO of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision and board positions with The Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation, The Snowdome Foundation, St Kilda Football Club Foundation and Soap Aid.
Nicky is a current Board Member of and Independent Non-Executive Director of the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation and the Norman Beischer Research Foundation.
Nicky is a member of ‘Mentor Walks Australia’, and a member of the mentor program at St Kilda Football Club for AFLW players. She was a finalist in the 2020 Telstra Business Women’s Awards for Victoria – for purpose and social enterprise.
Nicky has a degree in Nursing, a Graduate Diploma in Marketing and a Masters of Business in Innovation and Leadership.
Chief Operations Officer
Mike van Dyk
Mike van Dyk joined Guide Dogs Victoria in January 2025, bringing extensive experience across not-for-profit, professional services, financial services, and local government sectors.
An accomplished leader in business transformation and operational excellence, Mike has a proven track record of driving organisational change, improving service delivery, and enhancing financial performance.
Mike has held leadership roles across Operations and Finance, Business Transformation and People and Culture, positioning him as a well-rounded executive capable of delivering sustainable improvements in different environments.
He holds a degree in Management from the University of London, Graduate Certificates in Applied Business and Organisational Coaching, and a Master of Business Administration from Swinburne University of Technology.
General Manager Dog and Vision Services
Liz Pepper
“This opportunity to join Guide Dogs Victoria has allowed me to return to work within a ‘for-purpose’ organisation that improves the lives of people through social connection, health and learning.”
Originating from Perth, Liz is an adaptable, experienced, and inclusive operations professional. Her vast experience spans across many sectors including finance, crisis support and suicide prevention, technology, medical devices, and more recently, the evolution of the medical cannabis industry in Victoria.
With dogs aplenty at the Kew Campus, Liz enjoys the added pleasure of the cozy company of her two beautiful Burmese cats at home.
General Manager Fundraising & Philanthropy
Evan Gordon
Evan embarked on his journey with Guide Dogs in 2016, bringing a wealth of expertise in fundraising and marketing gathered from his tenure in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. With senior positions across the airline, travel & tourism, health, and disability sectors under his belt, Evan’s impact resonates internationally.
Holding a Master of Commerce in Marketing Management from the University of Pretoria, Evan is also a Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia. His dedication to advancing Guide Dogs’ mission knows no bounds as he continues to drive transformative initiatives and foster lasting partnerships.”
General Manager People & Culture
John Gow-Hills
John has worked as an accomplished Head of People and Culture at executive level for twenty years in the community services, disability support, primary healthcare, education, and childcare sectors.
His early career in education included periods with the University of Melbourne, the Victorian College of the Arts, and the Centre for Adult Education (CAE); before John moved into healthcare and community services with Central Gippsland Health Service.
In the mid 2000s John joined the newly merged Vision Australia (blindness and low vision services) as National HR Manager. After fifteen years of major achievement and growth, John left Vision Australia as GM People and Culture in 2021.
John and his husband Pete live with two elderly Great Danes on a small farm in Gippsland. John also supports his Mum in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs where he grew up.
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