Laura Walling, Esq. Named Goodwill Industries International Vice President of Government Affairs
ROCKVILLE, MD – Goodwill Industries International (GII) recently announced the promotion of Laura Walling to vice president of government affairs. Walling executes strategies that engage advocates and leverages partners to advance GII’s public policy agenda in support of job training and career development services for Americans who need them most.
Walling was recently named to The NonProfit Times’ “2021 NPT Power & Influence Top 50,” which recognizes leaders for their innovation, influence and ability to create dynamic organizational models that can be replicated throughout the industry.
Over her 17-year tenure with GII, Walling has strengthened grassroots advocacy engagement, enhanced the capacity of the 150 local Goodwill organizations in the U.S. to advocate at the local level, and developed relationships with key lawmakers and partners to help advance Goodwill’s policy goals.
“Laura has been a great partner for our team and the Goodwill network. She has been a consistent advocate for Goodwill, the people we serve, and the nonprofit sector more generally. Her new role reflects the value she provides and the contribution she makes and advances her leadership both at GII and with our partners.”
Walling was instrumental in working with other U.S. nonprofit leaders to create the #Relief4Charities coalition at the beginning of the pandemic. The group of national organizations continues to advocate to ensure the nonprofit sector can continue to provide mission services that are critical to helping communities recover.
Walling is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association and Women in Government Relations. She has served as co-chair of the board of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of DC, and is currently on the Advisory Council of NonprofitVOTE, and the public policy committee of the National Council of Nonprofits.
“Each day, people come to Goodwill for assistance in growing their skills and finding employment. My team and I are dedicated to making sure lawmakers understand the positive impact Goodwill has in their communities,” said Walling. “I look forward to continuing to represent Goodwill and support our network as we collectively advance workforce development policies and empower those who build their careers to advocate for themselves.”
Walling graduated from Rutgers University, where she majored in political science. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Pace University School of Law.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 155 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar’s highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval.
Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, which are funded by selling donated clothing and household items in nearly 3,300 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl. Register for our Legislative Action Center via advocate.goodwill.org.
CONTACT:
Charlene Sarmiento
Public Relations Manager
Goodwill Industries International
Phone: (240) 620-7703
[email protected]
