“I identify with Goodwill’s guiding principle that says, ‘Every time we touch a donation, something good should happen,’” said Katie, Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator. For Katie, this “something good” is reflected not only in her own career growth, but in the success of the Goodwill team members she now trains. Before working at Goodwill, Katie earned a degree in animal science and worked in several industries, including food services. After she and her family moved from Kentucky to the Chattanooga area, she stayed at home to care for her two children for several years. When she decided to return to the workforce, she faced a familiar challenge that many caregivers encounter: a gap in employment and uncertainty about where to begin. “My mom is a store associate at a Goodwill in Kentucky, and she told me about all the wonderful opportunities there,” said Katie. “I thought since it is such a great thing, maybe I could be a part of it too.” Katie applied for a position at the Goodwill store and donation center in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Recognizing her potential, Christy, the Director of Retail Operations, offered her a shift lead position with clear opportunities for growth. Later, Katie was promoted to Assistant Manager and then she was promoted to the Store Manager position at our new, much larger Fort Oglethorpe store. While enjoying store leadership, Katie found herself drawn back to a skill she discovered earlier in her career, training others. “When I worked in food services, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and helping people grow. When I saw the Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator job posting, it was truly an ‘aha’ moment.” Katie now serves as our Learning and Development Training Coordinator and says the role feels like a perfect fit. She shared, “I’ve found my passion again.” When you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re doing more than decluttering or finding a great deal; you’re investing in people like Katie. Your support fuels career pathways and leadership development right here in our community. Our mission is to help people transform potential into opportunity, and our vision is a community where everyone can thrive. It’s more than Goodwill; it’s good work.
Recently, Goodwill held an annual award ceremony in conjunction with our first organization-wide One Goodwill event, a day dedicated entirely to investing in the people who make our mission possible. For one day, we closed every Goodwill store, donation site, Opportunity Center, distribution center, and administrative office in the greater Chattanooga area to invest in our people. On that day, Heather, a Goodwill Director of Retail Operations, was honored with the Leadership award. This award recognizes a leader within Goodwill who inspires, motivates, executes, and exemplifies excellent leadership through change, despite adversity. Heather’s leadership can be felt not only in the results she delivers, but in the confidence, connection, and stability she brings. One nominator shared that when Heather joined Goodwill, they “immediately experienced a positive shift in leadership, communication, and support.” Another nominator highlighted how Heather “always answers the phone with a smile,” no matter what she is facing. That small, simple detail says so much about who she is: a leader who remains steady, approachable, and committed. “This is the most impactful award I could receive,” said Heather. “To know that I have that much support behind me is encouraging. I love working at Goodwill because I have the satisfaction of knowing that I get to make a difference in people’s lives.”
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live independently, earn wages, and achieve their dreams. What started with one truck and one storefront over 100 years ago has helped thousands of people in our community receive education, training, jobs, and a second chance.
Join us in congratulating our Chief Financial Officer, Aleetra Rice, for being featured in CityScope Magazine’s annual Destined for Distinction section. We’re incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make in our community!
Congratulations to the graduates of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Institute, including Goodwill’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Michelle Turner. The Emerging Leaders Institute is a six-month leadership development program designed to equip leaders with the essential leadership attributes needed to excel both in their organization and in the community.
Congratulations to our 2025 Annual Award Winners!
On February 10, 2026, we shut down every single Goodwill operation to do something even more important—invest in our people. For one day, every team member stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder as OneGoodwill: one mission, one purpose, one united team. Our keynote, Ryan Jenkins, reminded us that connection is the competitive advantage—the catalyst for belonging, engagement, and high‑performing teams, backed by years of research. When people feel connected, they don’t just show up—they step up. We didn’t pause to stop the work. We paused to strengthen the people who make the work possible—to power the purpose. Here’s to the culture we’re building. Here’s to the mission we’re advancing. Here’s to OneGoodwill—together in our mission to change lives through the power of work.
Goodwill’s mission is to help people transform their potential into opportunity, and employees Josh and Steven are living proof of that. Both Josh and Steven began their careers at Goodwill as Material Handlers at the Goodwill Distribution Center in downtown Chattanooga. Each had a goal: to advance their skills and open doors to new opportunities. Steven came to Goodwill with forklift operating experience, but his certification had lapsed. Once he began working at Goodwill, he learned that Goodwill hosts a forklift operator training course at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga. “I knew I was capable of doing more,” said Josh. “I needed my forklift certification in order to accomplish this.” “Steven and Josh entered the forklift program facing two very different challenges, yet both were determined to grow,” said Kai, Goodwill Distribution Center/Transportation Manager. “Steven was returning to the workforce and working to rebuild his confidence in operating heavy equipment. Josh had never driven heavy machinery and wanted to gain a new skill. The forklift class helped bridge those gaps. Their success shows how the right training can empower individuals and strengthen career opportunities.” The Goodwill’s forklift course, in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals and the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation, features American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community and invest in the lives of our coworkers," 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." “I love working at Goodwill,” said Steven. “I wish I had started working here earlier in my life.” If you are interested in attending an upcoming forklift operator training course, contact Cornisha Espey at (423) 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov.
When Darren and Jodi made the decision to leave their longtime Florida home to help care for Jodi’s aging parents in Chattanooga, they never imagined how challenging the transition would be. They started their new adventure by buying a house in Chattanooga. Darren turned in his notice at his job at the United Way in Fort Myers, and Jodi resigned from her role as an Executive Vice President at a wealth management company. “We thought we would have no problem finding new jobs. We're both experienced in so many things,” said Jodi. Despite their impressive resumes and years of experience, weeks turned into months of job searching. The stress was mounting. Jodi shared her concerns with her friend in Florida, who reminded her that Goodwill offers free career assistance. Darren and Jodi visited the Goodwill Opportunity Center in East Brainerd. When they arrived, Opportunity Center Manager, Taryn, discussed their situation with them. She helped them update their resumes and connected them with resources and job leads tailored to their skills. Soon after, Darren accepted a job as Operations Manager at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and Jodi accepted a job as a Client Business Advisor with Unum. “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help the Phillips family,” said Taryn, Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager. “At Goodwill, we know that career transitions can be overwhelming, especially when relocating to a new city. Our goal is to provide personalized support, whether it’s resume assistance, job leads, or confidence-building, free of charge, so that each person we help can move forward with hope and opportunity.” Darren And Jodi's Success is a testament to how the right support at the right time can turn uncertainty into opportunity. “I am positive that all of the guidance we received at the Goodwill Opportunity Center is what made the difference,” said Jodi. “Now we tell people we know who are job hunting to go to Goodwill.”
Sheree's journey from mom to jewelry pro shows Goodwill's impact. Join us in transforming lives through education & training.
Burlington & Goodwill hosted hiring events, leading to 132 job placements. Utilize Goodwill’s My Career Advisor for career resources.
Learn how Nikki turned her Goodwill job into a social work degree. Join us in supporting others on their journey to success!
