ROCKVILLE, MD — Jim McClelland, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana (Indianapolis), has earned the 2012 Matthews Entrepreneurial Award from Goodwill Industries International. McClelland has always operated his nonprofit as a business with a social mission, and this award recognizes his 40-year track record of innovation and entrepreneurism.
The award — endowed by retired Goodwill CEO Roger Matthews and his wife, Bonnie — is presented annually for outstanding demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit in the development of new market revenues and jobs for people with disabilities and disadvantages who face challenges to finding employment.
McClelland’s leadership approach has led to significant increases in revenue that supports mission-based activities. Total retail revenue at the Goodwill increased from $49 million in 2007 to $71 million in 2011. Those revenues have supported long-lasting educational reform — a hallmark of McClelland’s tenure.
In 2004, the Indianapolis Goodwill opened a charter school for youth who are at-risk for delinquency or dropping out of school who are in grades 9-12. The school serves more than 430 students. In 2010, the Goodwill launched The Excel Center to provide adults with the opportunity and support to earn high school diplomas and begin post-secondary education. Because of overwhelming demand — 2,000 students on a waiting list — the Goodwill added two additional Excel Center locations in 2011. The three Excel Center locations provide educational opportunities to 815 students.
“Entrepreneurs like Jim McClelland are adept at seeking out business solutions that have lasting impact in a community,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “By taking a business approach to furthering Goodwill’s mission of job training, education and support services, Jim is creating a legacy that will benefit residents of Indianapolis for decades to come.”
McClelland accepted his award at Goodwill’s annual Conference of Executives meeting in San Antonio, TX, on Tuesday, February 21.
