Goodwill Opportunity Center To Host Hiring Events For New Burlington Store In Chattanooga

The Goodwill Opportunity Center, located at 7601 East Brainerd Road, next to the Goodwill store in East Brainerd, will host multiple hiring events in conjunction with Burlington to staff Burlington’s soon-to-be-opened store in Brainerd. The minimum starting pay is $14/hour.

Supervisor hiring event: Tuesday, Aug. 11 through Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Team member hiring event: Tuesday, Aug. 25, through Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Store-wide hiring event: Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to hosting hiring events, the Goodwill Opportunity Center offers free career services, including career assessments, job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial education, and resume and interview preparation.

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 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.

For more information, call the Goodwill Opportunity Center – East Brainerd at (423) 757-9527 or email info@goodwillchatt.org.

New VP of Engagement & Philanthropy, Jim Bartoo

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.