Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont has a new leader.

Chris Jackson

The nonprofit’s board of directors has hired Chris Jackson as president and CEO. He succeeds Michael Elder, who is retiring after 40 years. Jackson, Goodwill’s executive vice president of workforce services and organizational development, is the fifth president in the organization’s 51-year history. He starts the new job on June 1 while Elder will serve as president emeritus until October 2018 and will be available for special projects and Jackson’s counsel.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this amazing organization,” Jackson said. “The mission, passion and excellence of staff and leadership, as well as the ability to help positively transform communities, inspires me. The organization’s business model makes Goodwill uniquely qualified to support significant change in the region we serve, and I look forward to working in partnership with our 800 team members, the Board of Directors, community partners, donors and other key stakeholders to continue to make the organization one of the most impactful social enterprises in the world.”

Goodwill helps people build career skills for in-demand industries such as customer service, administrative and business services and construction. It also offers free computer literacy courses, résumé workshops, mock interviews, and other vocational and career development services. Goodwill also operates 24 retail stores and more than 30 donation sites in eight counties.

“Having experienced many of the same barriers faced by our clients,” Jackson said, “it is my privilege and honor to elevate our mission of Changing Lives Through the Power of Work and to be a champion for the development of trusting relationships, access to opportunity and long-term support to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations.” 

Jackson joined Goodwill in 2010 as vice president of strategic planning and organizational development division. In 2013, he was promoted to executive vice president of workforce services and organizational development to oversee employment and career development services and human resources.

“Chris brings more than 25 years of executive leadership responsibilities, and a demonstrated ability to successfully lead teams and manage complex operational processes,” said Michael Elder. “His ability to build strategic relationships, implement successful process improvements, develop talent and create great work environments will serve him well in his new role.”

In addition to its retail stores, Goodwill, which has an annual operating budget of $60 million, owns a temporary staffing agency, full-service construction division; restaurant, e-commerce; electronics recycling and online book retailer.  

Prior to joining Goodwill, Jackson was vice president of community building at United Way of Central Carolinas and a principal in the retail client arm at The Vanguard Group, which has offices in Charlotte and Valley Forge, Pa.

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