Updates from Ryan
Goodwill Columbus Team,
Happy April and thank you for the energy you bring to our mission every day. Spring is a season of renewal, and it’s also a reminder of what’s possible when we show up with purpose in what we do together.
First, I want to celebrate a huge win: our Westerville store’s grand opening on March 26th. It was a resounding success. The line started forming hours before we opened and wrapped around the entire building, which was a powerful reminder that our community believes in Goodwill. Thank you to our Donated Goods Retail (DGR) team for your hustle, perseverance, and attention to every detail that made that day shine. If you haven’t seen the new location yet, I hope you’ll stop by at 60 East Schrock Road when you can and don’t forget, you can take advantage of your employee discount.
April also brings Earth Day on April 22nd. Much of Goodwill’s work is circularity in action, as every donation keeps useful items in circulation and helps support our overall mission. As you do your spring cleaning, consider donating household items and encouraging friends or family to do the same. It’s a simple way to honor Earth Day while strengthening our mission in a very practical way.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s coming this summer. In June, we’ll launch our Solar Panel Installation program at our Brice Road Job Training Center. It’s another meaningful step forward as we connect people with in-demand skills and career pathways.
Also in June, our management meeting will include a special guest: the CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Steve Preston. It’s a great moment to remember we’re part of something much bigger. In fact, 85% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Goodwill location across the country. And it’s all powered locally by you!
Thank you for what you do. You and your work matter to our coworkers, to the individuals we serve, and to this entire community.
Ryan
Ryan Burgess
President and CEO
2025 Vision Survey Feedback – What We Heard/What We Are Doing The 2026 Vision Survey is coming soon!
Did you see?
Last month, we introduced our new mission statement and updated organizational values. Take a look!
Our Mission: Helping people build loves of possibility and purpose.
Our Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Entrepreneurial
We’ll be updating and sharing resources this month to help you communicate this new language to your teams.
April Highlights
Westerville Retail Store Opening
On March 26, we officially opened our first Westerville retail location, transforming the former Big Lots building into a vibrant, welcoming space for shoppers, donors, and community members. At over 13,000 square feet, it is the largest Goodwill Columbus store to date, offering even more selection, convenience, and value.
WellWorks Wellness Newsletter
April is Global Child Nutrition Month!
Click here to learn the important role nutrition plays in a child’s growth, development, academic success, and long-term health.
Benefits Resources!
Please see below for important wellness and benefits information for 2026:
Learn about our 403(b) Retirement Plan!
Upcoming Events
APRIL 22
Earth Day 🌎
This Earth Day, clean out your closets and donate items to your local Goodwill Columbus Attended Donation Center (ADC)!
Click below to find an ADC near you!
April 21
GWC Gallery Exhibit & Artist Reception 🖼️
We invite you to a special Artist Reception to view the 99 Pieces of Purpose collection on Tuesday, April 21 from 11am – 12pm, at 4411 Tamarack Blvd.
The exhibit will be on display throughout April!
Be sure to check it out and support our amazing artists!
Thursday, May 14
Harmony Project’s Concert for Humanity 🎶
Join us for Harmony Project’s Concert for Humanity taking place on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30pm, downtown at the Columbus Commons.
Attendees can reserve up to 10 free tickets!
Goodwill Columbus employees are encouraged to wear a Goodwill Columbus t-shirt and meet at 7:00pm for a team photo. More details to come.
Spotlights
Meet Stephanie
Meet Stephanie! Stephanie is the Senior Accounting Specialist/Payroll Specialist, and will be celebrating her 16th work anniversary with Goodwill Columbus this June!
When she joined the Goodwill Columbus team in 2010, Stephanie was recently laid off and was looking for full time employment to support her and her son.
Stephanie’s journey at Goodwill began in our Compliance department as the Records Technician, followed by Compliance Coordinator, until she found her way to the Accounting department where she currently works in Payroll!
Click here to read Stephanie’s full story!
Wonderful work, Stephanie!
99 Pieces of Purpose 🖼️
Recently, Goodwill Columbus had the incredible honor of partnering with Harmony Project to curate an expansive art exhibit for Mayor Ginther’s State of the City of Columbus address.
Our staff and artists poured their hearts into this installation, centering the collection on a powerful theme: embracing activation over perfection. It serves as a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection.
Amazing job, artists and ADS team!
Birthdays
Promotions
Anniversaries
Nominate a Co-Worker for an ICARE Award
Notice a co-worker demonstrating an ICARE value? Nominate them for an ICARE Award. Both of you could win prizes to recognize your hard work and commitment!
ICARE Awards Roundup
Each month we are celebrating members of the Goodwill Columbus team for their participation in the ICARE Awards. The March “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
MARCH “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
- Abigail Stockton
- Anthonette Covington
- Angie Hampton
MARCH ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in March!
- Paige Porter
- Felix Tantangha
- Kimbra Blem
- Heather Huff
- Cortny Sapp
- Georgia Woodland
- Milik Mills
- Kevin Fletcher
- Samir Belkadi
- Adelle Watson
- Deka Salah
Collaboration: “When she notices something that needs to be done, she takes the initiative and handles it without waiting to be asked. Her support doesn’t stop with her own team, she willingly steps in to help anyone, across any team, whenever she sees a need. Carolyn goes out of her way to make sure her coworkers feel supported, and her proactive approach strengthens the overall success of our department. Her actions show true teamwork, reliability, and a genuine commitment to shared goals.” Angie Hampton on Carolyn Newcomb
Integrity: “She takes pride in her job and doesn’t show favoritism. She makes sure you know your duties and are trained properly to accomplish the goals we as a team are trying to reach. She is stern and understanding at the same time but talks to you with the respect that she should when speaking to another adult! Scales is an absolutely awesome Sgt.” Anthonette Covington on Scales
Respect: “Mark demonstrated our values by moving a (heavy) box for the development team. Mark wears many hats in his role, and I appreciate that he is willing to step in and help out. Thank you MK for your help!” Abigail Stockton on Mark Koenig