about
In 1939, Goodwill Columbus was founded as Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio. Beginning as a used goods business and sheltered employment program, Goodwill Columbus eventually had 11 different stores in Columbus and satellite divisions in Newark, Marion, Portsmouth, and Chillicothe. In late 1977, Goodwill Columbus closed the stores and focused on its rehabilitation and employment services. By the 1990's, we became the fourth largest not-for-profit organization in Central Ohio.
Locally, Goodwill Columbus provides services, community living experiences, and employment opportunities to assist individuals who have disabilities or other challenges to enjoy full participation in the community. Each year, our vocational, personal, social, and community services assist more than 1,500 people with disabilities or other special needs to attain a new level of independence.
In January of 2000 and February of 2001, Goodwill Columbus opened thrift stores in Morse Centre and Hunters Ridge Shopping Center. In February 2002 the Clintonville and Central Point Stores opend their doors.
A Board of Directors governs Goodwill Columbus. Marjory Pizzuti is President and CEO. Goodwill Columbus is a United Way Agency and is accredited by CARF, the National Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission.
Goodwill Columbus is working to help build a world where all individuals with disabilities and special challenges will have the opportunity to participate in a full range of life's experiences, including competitive employment. Goodwill shall continue focusing on being the leader in providing quality education, training, and employment services, which empower individuals to be productive and independent.
Goodwill Industries is an association of 181 independent member organizations located throughout the United States and Canada, with each member serving a specific geographic territory. Goodwill Industries International is located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Building independence, quality of life and work opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers.
Our Vision
All individuals with disabilities and other barriers are embraced as valued and dignified members of our community.
Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 by Reverend Edgar James Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston, who was seeking ways to help residents in the city's impoverished South End. Helms collected used clothing and household goods in wealthier areas of the city, and then trained and hired poor people and immigrants to repair the used goods. The donations were resold or given to the people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of "a hand up, not a hand out" was born.
The organization was formally incorporated in 1910, providing job skills training programs, and even a rudimentary placement service for people who were unemployed.
Today, Goodwill Industries International has 181 autonomous member organizations in the U.S. and Canada, and 45 associate members in 34 countries outside of North America.
Board of Directors & Senior Leadership Team
- Officers
- Chairman
- Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks
- First Vice Chair
- Fred G. Pressley, Jr.
- Second Vice Chair
- Peter A. Pavarini
- Treasurer
- Lori A. Maite
- Secretary
- Donna Teach
- Past-Chairman
- John Brody
- Non-Officer Executive Members
- Johnni Beckel
Richard A. Lundy - Joe Saloom
- Directors
- Jane Abell
- Jennifer Bennett
- Susan Cohen
- Charlotte E. Glenn-Frey
- Tom Griesdorn
Anthony Hebron
- Douglas E. Houser
- Margo Izzo
- Karen Jones-Oleska
- Joel Kingsley
- Kevin Kowalski
- Susie McKenna
- Lauren Richardson
- Clark Swanson
Senior Leadership Team- President & CEO
- Margie Pizzuti
- Director of Development
- Vice President of Human Resources & Retail Operations
- Shanda Arthurs
- Vice President of Finance
- Anthony Hartley
- Vice President of Programs & Contract Services
- Mary Vail
- Director of Marketing & Communications
