Goodwill® Recognizes Exceptional Achievements at 2026 Annual Meeting of the Conference of Executives

Goodwill Industries International (GII) proudly announced the winners of its prestigious awards at the Annual Meeting of the Conference of Executives (AMCOE), which was held the last week of March in Las Vegas, NV.

This year’s ceremony was especially memorable, honoring five outstanding award recipients. As each leader took the stage, their achievements and impact were celebrated, inspiring the audience and underscoring the lasting influence these executives have on the important Goodwill mission.

Sustainability Champion Award

The Sustainability Champion Award is presented to a Goodwill executive in recognition of outstanding sustainability practices and accomplishments. The award recognizes a CEO who consistently demonstrates strong leadership in support of the three pillars of sustainability: people (our social impact), planet (our environmental impact) and prosperity (our financial impact)​.

This year’s winner is:

• Jennifer Lake, President and CEO​, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes​ (Rochester, NY)

Belonging & Engagement Champion​

This award is presented to a Goodwill CEO who demonstrates an exceptional ability to tap into the varied talents, expertise and perspectives of their teams and peers to develop innovative practices and advance the Goodwill culture and impact.​

This year’s winner is:

• Tobi Mathouser​, President and CEO​, Goodwill Industries Inc., Serving Eastern

        Nebraska and Southwest Iowa​ (Omaha, NE) 

P.J. Trevethan Award

Presented annually to a local Goodwill organization CEO, the P.J. Trevethan award recognizes outstanding contributions to the training of Goodwill personnel. The award is named after P.J. Trevethan, the late CEO of GII, who established a fund for this purpose at the time of his retirement in 1966.

This year’s winner is:

• Ed “Kingfish” Lada, Jr., President and CEO, Goodwill Keystone Area​ (Harrisburg, PA)

J.D. Robins, Jr. Distinguished Career Award

The J.D. Robins Jr. award is presented to Goodwill CEOs for outstanding career contributions and dedication to the advancement of the Goodwill Industries® movement over a span of at least 25 years, with at least 15 years as a CEO. The award was renamed in 1999 to honor the late J.D. Robins, Jr., for his career-long impact and influence on Goodwill management and process improvement.

This year’s winner is:

• Fred G. Shelfer, Jr., President and CEO, Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. (Tallahassee, FL)

Michael M. Miller Mentoring Excellence Award

This award is presented to a Goodwill Industries member executive in recognition of exemplary leadership mentoring within the U.S. or Canada. ​

• Michael M. Miller, CEO Emeritus, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (Portland, OR) and Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (Dayton, OH)

Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions and commitment to making a positive difference in the world. These individuals truly deserve this recognition, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.

ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Goodwill works to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, building bridges to opportunity and helping people in need reach their potential through learning and the Power of Work®.

For nearly 125 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have helped people find jobs, support their families and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 150 local Goodwill organizations that assist people through a variety of employment placement services, job training programs and other community-based services. Thousands of people receive employment and other human services through Goodwill, and, in 2024, the organization helped more than 2.1 million people build skills, access resources and advance their careers.

Goodwill sells donated items in more than 3,400 retail and outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as through online marketplaces. The revenue creates training programs and job placements to help people find work or advance their careers.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on X/Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @GoodwillIntl.