Sheree's Career Development Success

“I was a stay-at-home mom for many years,” said Sheree. “When my children got older, my aunt, who worked at Goodwill, encouraged me to apply for a position as a part-time cashier at the Hixson Goodwill store.”
Sheree quickly rose through the ranks to Shift Lead, then Assistant Store Manager, and then Store Manager. Today, she is thriving as an Applied Jewelry Professional E-Commerce Associate in Goodwill’s E-Commerce Department.

Sheree’s passion for learning didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, as part of professional development discussions, Sheree asked our former Director of Office Administration, Heather Harris, if she could take courses from the Gemological Institute of America during her workday to enhance her abilities in her new role. Goodwill supported the request, and Sheree began taking classes while continuing her jewelry-processing duties. At Goodwill, we strive to live out our commitment to our employees by integrating our mission and supporting each employee’s desire to stay, grow, or go through education, training, and employment. Through Goodwill's support and Sheree's diligence and effort, she has now earned the following diploma and credentials:

Jewelry Essentials Certificate
Colored Stone Essentials Certificate
Diamond Essentials Certificate
Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma

“The funds that are obtained from the sale of donated items go to our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity,” said Sheree. “I’m thankful that Goodwill helped me earn these credentials and this diploma.”

Sheree desires a long future with Goodwill, where she can continue to build on Goodwill’s core value of continuous improvement while giving back to the community.

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Annual BRIDGE Retreat

By Lora B • September 30, 2026

2nd Annual BRIDGE Retreat

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.