Under CEO Talcott, Goodwill of Wayne & Holmes Counties grew from $5m to $8.3m in annual revenue, but the community impact was even greater, growing from 537 people served annually to over 2,000.

(Wooster) Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties (GIWHC) has been providing job training and career services to local communities in Wayne and Holmes Counties for over 40 years. Judy Talcott, President and CEO of GIWHC, has been at the helm of Goodwill’s success for over two decades as she celebrates her retirement in May 2024 - on her 21st anniversary in the leadership role.

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“The board is grateful for Judy’s leadership and timeless worth ethic over the last 27 years. She has been instrumental in growing Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties’ three divisions; Retail, Industrial, and Mission. Her passion for the mission and advocacy of financial stability are appreciated throughout the organization and by the board. Judy’s legacy will endure, and we wish her the best as she begins a new chapter” says Christy VanSickle [OneEighty], current Chair of GIWHC Board of Trustees.

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During Talcott’s tenure as CEO of Goodwill, people served by Goodwill’s Mission Services department (job training/career services) grew 280%, from 537 to 2,041 people each year. Net assets for the organization grew 187%, from $3,118,257 to $8,970,919, and revenue sprouted 64%, rising from $5,082,142 to $8,331,262 in 2023.

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Judy Talcott’s unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic have been instrumental in the operational success of GIWHC. Her remarkable leadership has not only propelled the organization forward but has also left a lasting mark on its culture and Mission. With a career spanning over 25+ years at Goodwill (celebrated by the 25 Year Service Award from Goodwill Industries International), Judy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and financial stability.

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Talcott’s achievements also include the Leadership Wooster Alumni Award (2008), Athena Leadership Award (2013), and George W. Hickson Award (2014, Kiwanis).

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“It has been my honor and privilege to lead this vital organization for the last 20 years,” explains Judy Talcott. “Goodwill will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will remain an advocate for the tremendous work this very special organization does in our community. We [Goodwill] have been a part of so many success stories over the years, helping to transform generations by providing opportunities for people in communities who face obstacles to sustainable employment.”

Kyle Adams [Stifel | Adams Reichert Wealth Management Group], a past GIWHC Board Chair and advocate of Goodwill, also explains “Judy has been an incredible example, not only for nonprofit leaders, but all leaders in our community. She has set the bar on both professionalism and work ethic, partnering with our community while also spending countless hours throughout her career behind the scenes, always looking to further the mission she set out to promote [and lead] over 20 years ago. Congratulations to Judy and I look forward to watching her enjoy her next chapter.”

Talcott’s final remarks on retirement from Goodwill Industries, “I have been blessed to work with so many awesome colleagues over the years and I have appreciated their friendship, partnership, and dedication to making the communities we serve better places.”

The Board of Trustees for GIWHC is actively recruiting a new President/CEO for the organization and looks forward to celebrating with Judy during the GIWHC Community Breakfast and Annual Meeting on May 2, 2024. This event is free to the public. Please visit www.goodwillconnect.org/annualmeeting for more information and to RSVP.