19 Oct Mission Possible: I will remain as Goodwill’s President and CEO

“I have changed my mind about retiring, and our board has graciously allowed me to do that,” was the message David Lifsey sent to Goodwill Industries International in September.  Months after informing our Board of Directors that he planned to retire as president and CEO at the end of the year, Lifsey had a change of heart.

I have asked our board of directors to allow me to retract my request for retirement.  They have graciously accepted my request, and I will be allowed to remain as president and CEO of our Goodwill.

Our Goodwill enjoys many exciting opportunities for growth.  At the top of the list is the opening of our Career Solutions Building followed by the search for new sites for stores and increasing our business.  I have said many times that we are fortunate to be a part of a company that, after 50-plus years in existence, still faces its most exciting days.

As I neared the date of my retirement, and evaluated what life would be like without actively participating with the good people I’ve worked with throughout my years at Goodwill, I realized I had made a mistake.  Leaving a job, let alone a career that spans more than 40 years, is never an easy decision.  I came to the realization that I enjoy coming to work every day and I’m not ready to stop growing Goodwill and sharing the success of our clients and employees.

As we move ahead I will relish the many opportunities we have to work to expand our mission.  The spirit of our employees and the reward of seeing our clients succeed continue to drive me in my job.  We have important work to do and I look forward to being a part of that work.