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LEADERSHIP

Senior Management

Matthew Bourlakas
President and CEO

Christine Skold
Chief Financial Officer

Cindy Varner
Chief Mission Officer

Leisa Wamsley
Chief Operations Officer

George Carlson
Vice President of Mission Services

Dee H. Elmi
Vice President of Donated Goods

Desiree Graham
Vice President of Marketing

Ed O’Kelley
Vice President of Information Technology

Wendy White
Vice President Finance and Accounting

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because it tackles challenges holistically, impacting individuals and communities across generations. Its focus on removing barriers to education and employment aligns with my values of equity and empowerment. Additionally, Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability reflects a forward-thinking approach to social responsibility.

Mr. Abdullah Azhar

MBA Candidate
Owen Graduate School
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Serving on the Board allows me to contribute to impactful initiatives. It’s an opportunity to drive meaningful change in people’s lives and environmental stewardship. I’m passionate about leveraging my skills and resources to support Goodwill’s mission and help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Mr. Bryan L. Bean

Senior Vice President
Pinnacle Financial Partners

Mr. Matthew Bourlakas

President & CEO
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Through job training programs, upskilling, and educational opportunities, Goodwill advances the ideal of America as the land of opportunity. Accordingly, it’s an honor to help advance Goodwill’s mission of economic empowerment, and play a very small role in helping individuals achieve their American dream.

Mr. John Chobanian

Director, Government Advisory
KPMG
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because they strive every day to serve others in ways that make a lasting impact. I serve on the board at Goodwill because I strive for the same and believe in their mission.

Ms. Emily Cummings

Community Leader
Ernst & Young
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill empowers so many people in the Nashville community. With education that provides an avenue to employment, stores offering affordable alternatives, and environmental practices that divert goods away from our landfills, Goodwill truly enhances the lives of so many, offering a pathway to respect, dignity, and quality of life.

Mr. Shane Douglas

Executive Vice President
Colliers International
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
As a long-time workforce development professional, I admire the intentionality Goodwill makes in providing education and training services as well as wrap-around services to help Middle Tennesseans become economically independent.

Ms. Beth Duffield

Manager, Workforce Development
Turner Construction
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because of its culture of compassion, and unwavering dedication to the dignity and development of all those whom Goodwill serves.

Mr. Christopher S. Dunn

Attorney
Epstein Becker Green

Mr. Rick Ewing

Customer Success Director
Oracle Corporation
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill is about giving good people the will to fight for a better life. It empowers people to show up and do their very best every day, building self-esteem, confidence, and purpose. It also plays an important role in the consumer supply chain, both in the United States and abroad. I am privileged and honored to be a part of this mission.

Mr. Rob Ivy

CFO
Lee Company
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I believe work has the power to transform lives, which affects friends, family, the workplace and community. Goodwill is committed to serving the needs of all people to pursue work. For these reasons, I humbly choose to serve on the board to advance more training and work opportunities for more people.

Mr. Ryan Jolley

Assistant Administrator for Employer Operations in the Division of Workforce Services
TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Where else can an item be removed from someone else’s clutter and be recycled into someone else’s career growth – moving the first “else” from clutter to calm and the second “else” from hardship to hope.

Mr. Roy Jordan

Wealth Management Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because of how they serve the community in so many ways. Supporting individuals to find a job and purpose in their lives by facilitating the reuse of great quality clothing and products at an affordable price. It is the perfect “flywheel” sustaining organization that has the power to change lives and entire communities.

Mr. Tom Lampe

Vice President
Messer Construction
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love the ability we have to change so many people’s lives.

Mr. Keith Lampkin

CDBG/ HOME Consultant
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I believe strongly in the value of work, and Goodwill provides avenues for people who face barriers to employment. It is a noble endeavor and one that I am proud to be a part of as a member of the Board of Directors. Serving on the Board is a fulfilling experience, knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Michael Madden

Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Kirkland’s, Inc.
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I serve because it allows me to support an organization that is dedicated to helping the underserved, while also investing in the productivity and potential of both its employees and customers.

Mr. Robert Massie

Vice President, Information Technology
Dollar General Corporation
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love that Goodwill helps give purpose for those it serves. Every board meeting begins with a mission moment, when someone who’s life has been changed thanks to Goodwill’s service shares their story. It’s inspirational and reminds us of how fortunate we are to play a small role in Goodwill carrying out its mission.

Mr. Philip McGowan

Senior Partner
FINN Partners
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because it tangibly serves both “the giver” and the “one who receives” with a mission that is valuable to our community. I serve on the board to lend my service to this worthy cause and to support the life-changing Goodwill Excel Centers.

Dr. Candice McQueen

President
Lipscomb University
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill’s mission: Changing lives through education, training, and employment. I can’t think of a better mission to be aligned with that meets individuals more than halfway. Nashville is growing and it’s inspirational to be aligned with an organization that maintains resources for broad prosperity, not just a few.

Mr. Kevin Mitchell

Partner
CapTrust
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill impacts lives through its various career development services with a level of intentionality and care that I have not experienced elsewhere. I am honored to serve on the board to help expand the mission in the Middle Tennessee area with programs that reflect current community needs.

Ms. Gabriela Moran

Account Executive
Preverity
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill makes a difference in those who seek a path to economic and financial growth. They have the resources, training, amazing staff, and advocates to guide those who want to thrive. Goodwill makes an impact on our workforce every day.  I am proud to serve on the board and support Goodwill of Middle Tennessee.

Ms. Cristina Oakeley

Owner
Caliente Consulting

Ms. Christine Skold

Chief Financial Officer
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love working with Goodwill and strongly support the mission to provide education, training and employment to those with barriers. As a member of the Board, I am proud to use my retail experience to help further the betterment of the communities we serve with Goodwill’s famous “giving a hand up, not a handout.”

Mr. Clay Teter

Retired

Mr. Scott Turner

President
Ajax Turner, Inc.

Ms. Cindy Varner

Chief Mission Officer
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Ms. Leisa Wamsley

Chief Operations Officer
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill provides affordable items through the resale of donated goods and a positive impact by diverting items from landfills. They provide training and education which help people develop skills and gain employment. I feel privileged to be involved with an organization that brings change to the community.

Mr. Jeff Young

Vice President, Corporate Banking
FirstBank

Goodwill Foundation of Middle Tennessee Trustees

Goodwill Foundation of Middle Tennessee Trustees

Ms. Leisa Byars

Franchise Owner
The Goddard School in Hendersonville
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because it tackles challenges holistically, impacting individuals and communities across generations. Its focus on removing barriers to education and employment aligns with my values of equity and empowerment. Additionally, Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability reflects a forward-thinking approach to social responsibility.

Mr. Dave Fentress

Vice President
Finance at Dollar General
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
Goodwill helps people build a strong foundation to move forward and grow.  Serving this mission elevates all of us.

Ms. Beth Johnson

Partner
Mercer Investment Consulting
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I have witnessed firsthand how Goodwill impacts not only individuals but also our community. Through education and training programs, individuals are given opportunities that often lead to careers. I love knowing what I donate is resold and helps others, but I also love shopping for that special bargain.

Mr. Fred T McLaughlin

Senior Vice President, Private Wealth
Baird Private Wealth Management
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill’s focus on empowerment of the whole person, fostering an environment that provides that life-changing helping hand up while also inspiring others to pay it forward. This is a loving community whose efforts fundamentally changes peoples lives for the good, providing dignity and hope.

Ms. Kathryn Thompson

Partner, CEO
Thompson Research Group
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I love Goodwill because it takes unwanted items from people and provides jobs, training and programs for those who are in need–it’s one of the original win/win situations. I choose to serve on the Foundation so that I can make a difference in this wonderful organization.

Mr. John C. Tishler

Partner
Epstein Becker Green
Why do you love Goodwill and choose to serve on the board?
I was drawn to the mission when I joined the Board. Believing in the mission is fundamental to my admiration and love of Goodwill. However, my first tour of operations, listening to employees speak of their joy in work and love of the mission cemented why I have stayed engaged on the board in various capacities for almost twenty years.

Ms. Donna Yurdin

President
Credo Management Consulting