Barrie Graham was an early and fervent admirer of Canine Companions and became involved with the organization in the 1990’s while working at Exchange Bank. Although active with other non-profits providing services to people with disabilities, Canine Companions’ unique focus in teaming dogs with people with disabilities appealed to Barrie. Barrie is the personnel committee chair, a member of the finance committee and a member of the executive committee.
Barrie has worked in the banking and financial services industry for more than 25 years, including tenure as president and chief operating officer of Exchange Bank, and senior vice president of Wells Fargo Bank. Currently, he is chief operating officer of WR Hambrecht & Company, a San Francisco based investment bank.
In addition to his volunteer work with Canine Companions, former Marine Infantry soldier Barrie is the chairman of the Marines Memorial Association, a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, and board member of Empire College and Empire Law School. Barrie holds degrees in Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University and an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University.
He sees Canine Companions for Independence as “the most respected and recognized provider of highly trained assistance dogs.”