As Safety and Loss Prevention Manager for Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area, Cyndi’s commitment goes far beyond policies and procedures. For her, safety is personal. “At Goodwill, our first Core Value is 'People,'” said Cyndi. “Our goal each day is to put people first, and safety is a big part of that.” Cyndi has been part of the Goodwill Chattanooga team for three years and the Goodwill network for eight years. A lifelong learner, Cyndi continues to invest in her growth in order to better serve others. Recently, she obtained multiple Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications, including: Certified Safety Manager in Healthcare (CSMH) CSHO Safety & Health Specialist Occupational Safety and Health Supervisor Program OSH Train-the-Trainer Program Safety Committee Member Safety Committee Chair Occupational Safety and Health Professional Program OSHA 30 Congratulations, Cyndi, on these achievements and for inspiring us all to remember that safety is no accident.
Goodwill Chattanooga empowers individuals through education & job training. Join us in making a difference today!
“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.
Learn how Heather Hutchinson earned the Leadership Award for her inspiring work at Goodwill. Join us in celebrating her community impact!
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!
Learn how Goodwill's OneGoodwill Stand Down 2026 enhanced team unity and performance. Join us in changing lives through education and training.
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.
