“The award recipients represent the epitome of dedication and commitment to advancing Goodwill’s mission”
Goodwill® Industries International (GII) proudly announces the winners of its prestigious awards at the Annual Conference of Executives held last week in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s ceremony was truly remarkable, featuring three illustrious Hall of Fame inductees alongside three outstanding award winners. The evening was a celebration of excellence and a tribute to the remarkable achievements of these individuals. As they took the stage to accept their honors, their contributions to their respective fields were highlighted, inspiring all those in attendance and leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of our institution.
Hall of Fame 2024
P.J. Michael Elder
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont (Charlotte, NC)
J. Michael Elder spent more than 40 years as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. He also served as vice chair and chair of the Goodwill Industries International (GII) Board of Directors. His impact on a local and national scale, marked by excellence, is indelibly imprinted on the entire Goodwill network.
Michael M. Miller
Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (Dayton, OH)
Goodwill Industries of Columbia Willamette (Portland)
Michael Miller has been an innovative voice in the world of professional development at Goodwill for 39 years. During his tenure, he empowered his employees to grow and lead alongside Goodwill, including providing scholarships for the pursuit of advanced degrees. This learning incentive is a direct reflection of his motto: “Goodwill works for the people that work for Goodwill.”
Bruce D. Phipps
Goodwill West Texas (Abilene)
Goodwill Industries of Wayne & Holmes Counties (Wooster, OH)
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (Roanoke, VA)
Bruce Phipps’ leadership in the Goodwill network began at Goodwill West Texas in 1983. His commitment to advancing smaller, rural Goodwill organizations through consensus building made him an influential and sought after leader throughout the network.
The induction of J. Michael Elder, Michael M. Miller, and Bruce D. Phipps into the Goodwill Industries Hall of Fame is a testament to their exceptional contributions and enduring impact on the Goodwill movement and the communities it serves. Their legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of compassion, integrity, and empowerment that define the Goodwill mission.
Additional CEO’s were honored for their contributions to Goodwill movement and their unwavering commitment to service.
P.J. Trevethan Award
2024 – Tim O’Neal, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
Presented annually to one Goodwill Industries CEO for outstanding contribution to the training of Goodwill Industries personnel. The award is named for P.J. Trevethan, the late CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Inc. (GII), who established a fund for this purpose at the time of his retirement in 1966.
Goodwill Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award
2024 – Anne Richards, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio
Presented to a Goodwill Industries executive in recognition of inclusive leadership and outstanding diversity practices and accomplishments. The award recognizes a CEO who consistently demonstrates strong leadership in inclusion and diversity. The first Diversity and Inclusion Guiding Principles states Diversity and Inclusion begins at the top: Goodwill believes that diversity and inclusion must be modeled at the top of the organization. The tone set at the top then trickles down to senior management and so forth. Leadership needs to walk the talk.
Sustainability Champion Award
2024 -Jeanette Hoyer, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.
Presented to a Goodwill Industries executive in recognition of outstanding sustainability practices and accomplishments. The award recognizes a CEO who consistently demonstrates strong leadership in support of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL); People (our social impact), Planet (our environmental impact) and Performance (our prosperity/financial impact).
Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions and commitment to making a positive difference in the world. They are truly deserving of this recognition, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill is the largest nonprofit workforce development network in the country. It works to enhance the dignity and 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 more than 120 years, Goodwill® organizations across North America have helped people find jobs, support their families, and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 154 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 2022, those organizations helped more than 2.1 million people build skills, access resources and advance careers.
Goodwill sells donated items in nearly 3,300 outlet and retail stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at ShopGoodwill.com®, the first nonprofit internet auction site, and other online marketplaces. Goodwill revenue creates job placement and training programs to help people earn paychecks and build their careers.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: GoodwillIntl. Register for our Legislative Action Center via advocate.goodwill.org.
