Updates from Ryan
November invites gratitude, and I’m grateful for your work and the dignity you show the individuals and teammates we serve every day.
First, a salute to our veterans. On Tuesday, November 11, we honored Team Goodwill members who have served our country. I’m in awe of their service and thankful they bring that same commitment to Goodwill.
Thank you to everyone who made our Extraordinary People Luncheon a celebration to remember. Two of our three honorees are employees: Jason Royce (Donated Goods Retail) and Fred Thomas (Work & Community Services). Their stories reminded us what perseverance looks like and why our work matters.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, restful holiday on Thursday, November 27. I also ask that we each take a moment to think of those in our community who are facing tougher days.
Two quick notes of appreciation for you:
- If you’re doing holiday shopping after Thanksgiving, don’t forget your 50% employee discount.
- Keep an eye on your mailbox. Our 2025 Employee Holiday Cards are on the way in the next few weeks and a small token of big appreciation.
Recently, I participated in an employee town hall and was moved by the thoughtful and candid feedback I received. In some cases, it was very direct feedback. Good. We’ve worked hard to build a culture that reflects our values. We’re not perfect and we have more to do, but I’m grateful we’ve created space for candid input either through our Vision survey, to our leaders or directly to me. That tells me we’re on the right path, and for that, I’m very thankful.
Thank you for showing up with purpose and heart. I’m proud of this team and excited about what we’re building together.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Ryan
Ryan Burgess
President and CEO
November Highlights
2025 Tenure Honorees
Thank you to the hard-working and dedicated individuals who celebrated a milestone work anniversary in 2025!
Goodwill Columbus is honored to have you on our team, fulfilling our mission in the Columbus community with the work you do everyday.
From 5 years to 30 years, you have made a lasting impact, not only on Goodwill Columbus, but to the individuals we serve. Thank you for all you do!
Wellness Newsletter by Wellworks
November is National Diabetes Month! Click here to learn more about preventive care.
2026 Benefits Guide!
Please see below for 2026 Benefits information and community resources for the holidays:
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day
To everyone on the Goodwill Columbus team who has served our country, we thank you and honor you. Happy Veterans Day!
NOVEMBER 27
Thanksgiving
Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Please see below for Thanks giving assistance near you.
NOVEMBER 28
Black Friday
Be sure to use your 50% employee discount this Black Friday!
Need to make room in your closet? Donate old costumes to any Goodwill Columbus retail location or Attended Donation Center!
Employee Spotlights
Meet Nicole
Meet Nicole! While Nicole has been part of the Goodwill Columbus team for 14 years, she was recently promoted to Information Systems and Security Manager!
Nicole started in contract security and worked her way through our Comptia A+ online classes while getting her bachelors. When a role was available for Goodwill’s IT Helpdesk, Nicole was hired, and after 4 years, became the IT Operations Manager before being promoted to her current role as ISS Manager.
Nicole loves getting to help with larger scope projects that allow our staff to do their jobs easier and more efficiently. Her current role lets Nicole further her knowledge with networks and keep our business safe in the online world.
Amazing work and congratulations, Nicole!
Columbus Marathon Volunteers
A huge shout-out to our dedicated Goodwill Columbus team! 👏
For the 15th year in a row, 30 of our staff members were up and ready by 4:30 am to support the amazing runners at the Columbus Marathon. In just one hour, we collected more than 10,000 items of discarded clothing!
It’s an honor to be part of an event that helps turn what runners no longer need into resources that fund essential programs right here in Central Ohio.
Thank you to every runner for their generosity. We were happy to support all 15,000+ of you!
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 October “See Something, Say Something” winners nominated multiple coworkers for an ICARE Award!
***Please check your email to claim your gift card!***
OCTOBER “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
- Tiffany Mosley
- Erika Hornyak
- Victor Johnson
OCTOBER ICARE NOMINEES – $25 GIFT CARD WINNERS
The following Goodwill Columbus employees were nominated for ICARE Awards in October!
- LaShawn Hicks
- Brooke Wiehoff
- Deneisha Sams
- Raymond Bouknight
- Amarous Houston
- Almenia Greenhill
- Ronni Johnson
- Jeremiah Fowlkes
- Derrick Turner
- Aliou Ba
- Georgia Woodland
- Chris Pupa
Integrity: “Christina consistently demonstrates exceptional teamwork and dedication. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence ensures that the individuals she supports are truly living their best lives. Christina’s reliability and compassion make her an invaluable part of our team, and we’re grateful for the positive impact she brings every day.” Atresa Gowan on Christina King
Accountability: “Pushing above and beyond to ensure that our daily operations weren’t impacted by a lack of able hands.” Bradley Pierce on Yassine Bouarbi
Collaboration: “Joyce is a PCS and takes very good care of the individuals she serves. Aside from that, she greets them with a smile and interacts in a positive and caring way. Especially those individuals who may require more hands on care.” Janet Benson on Joyce Shockley
Excellence: “Tim hasn’t been with us for long, but picked everything up quickly and continues to go above and beyond! He hangs the BEST clothes and is always willing to help swap out boxes for others :)” Erika Hornyak on Emanuel Holdman
Collaboration: “Rose has really taken the student intern from Cristo Rey under her wing. She has organized work so that when the intern arrives, there is no time lost trying to figure out what to do. Also, Rose takes the time to get know and understand the goals and aspirations of our intern and she takes the time to find tasks for them that will help them in their journey. She does her best to make the intern feel welcomed and valued!” Victor Johnson on Rose Thomas