Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area News

September 24, 2026
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is pleased to announce Jim Bartoo as its new Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, joining the organization’s senior leadership team as Goodwill continues to grow its presence and mission impact across the region. A Chattanooga native, Bartoo brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong background in brand development, strategic fundraising, community engagement and storytelling. His career includes senior leadership roles with zoological organizations in Nashville and Columbus, Ohio, as well as earlier experience in television news production in Chattanooga. “Jim has spent his career connecting people to organizations and causes that matter,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Chattanooga. “His ability to build relationships, tell meaningful stories and bring people together around a shared purpose makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team. As Goodwill continues to grow, we want to make sure our community understands not only what we do, but the impact made possible every day through their support.” As Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, Bartoo will lead an integrated approach to marketing, communications, public relations, philanthropy, advocacy and community engagement. He will focus on strengthening Goodwill’s relationships throughout the community, growing philanthropic support and more clearly connecting the organization’s retail operations with the mission they help make possible. A key part of that work will be telling the “story behind the store,” how donating and shopping at Goodwill help create opportunities for people through employment, training, education and other mission services. “I’m excited to return to my hometown and join an organization that has been part of this community for more than a century,” said Bartoo. “Goodwill has an incredible story to tell, and I look forward to helping more people understand the impact their donations, purchases, partnerships and philanthropic support can have in the lives of people throughout our region.” Bartoo’s appointment comes as Goodwill continues to expand its mission impact and capabilities across its 23-county service area in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For more than a century, Goodwill Chattanooga has worked to help people transform potential into opportunity, creating pathways to greater independence, employment, education and economic opportunity.
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July 15, 2026
Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is hosting a forklift operator training course in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals on Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30. The class will be held at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 6104 Preservation Dr. in Chattanooga. The three-day boot camp training is provided in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation. The course includes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. In addition to these types of training opportunities, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus and the two Opportunity Centers in Dalton and East Brainerd provide free employment services such as career assessments, job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial and nutritional education and resume and interview preparation. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community," said Rachel Inman, vice president of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth." Officials said, "Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has been helping people access the training and resources needed to secure competitive jobs. Goodwill Opportunity Centers are located in Dalton, East Brainerd and Chattanooga. The revenue generated from Goodwill’s 17 local stores directly funds education, training and employment services in the region, serving 23 counties across Georgia and Tennessee. Visit www.goodwillchatt.org to learn more. " The deadline to register is July 23. The cost for non-vocational rehabilitation participants is $186. For more information or to register, contact Cornisha Espey at 423-634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov. Read More Here .
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Contact Information

Marketing and Communications


Jim Bartoo | VP of Engagement & Philanthropy

Office: (423) 629-2501 ext. 3177

Cell: (615) 585-6573

Email: jimb@goodwillchatt.org


Michelle Turner | Director of Marketing & Communications

Office: (423) 629-2501 ext. 3701

Cell: (423) 488-9357

Email: michellet@goodwillchatt.org

A black and white photo of a goodwill store

Company Overview

Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston, MA, by Rev. Edgar J. Helms. The idea was simple, fight poverty not with charity but with trade skills and provide a chance for the poor and unemployed to do productive work.


Inspired by compassion for the poor, sick, and disabled and determined to improve their quality of life, Helms put a burlap bag over his shoulder and asked for unwanted clothing, shoes, and household goods. He employed people in need to restore those collected items and taught them trades and skills as they worked. The income from the resale of those goods paid wages to these people.


With Helms as the driving force, Goodwill Industries spread throughout the United States. On July 5, 1923, Chattanooga Goodwill opened as the first Goodwill in the state of Tennessee and the 25th in the world.