Dr. Murray Named CEO of Youngstown Goodwill

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YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. has named Dr. Shelley Murray as the new Chief Executive Officer, the company announced today.

Former CEO Annie Phillips, announced her resignation on Wednesday. Murray served as Goodwill’s interim CEO since Jan. 1.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this incredible organization,” Murray said. “Over the past year as Interim, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and talent of our team, the resilience of the individuals we serve, and the support of our community. 

“I would like to express my appreciation to Annie Phillips for her leadership and dedication. Together, we will carry forward Goodwill’s legacy of empowering lives and creating opportunities for those who need it most. I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to furthering our mission in even greater ways.”

Prior to Goodwill, Murray spent more than 20 years in education, most recently at Valley Christian Schools. She served as principal, vice principal and head of schools during her tenure. 

“During her role as interim CEO, Shelley has demonstrated remarkable leadership and a deep commitment to our values,” said Board President Hasheen Wilson in a written statement. “She has increased the visibility of Goodwill in our community and has significantly enhanced the spirit of collaboration within our organization. Under Shelley’s leadership, we’ve also seen increases in revenue and efficiencies, further strengthening our ability to serve those in need.

“We are grateful for Annie’s leadership and the contributions she has made during her tenure. Her dedication has been instrumental in advancing our mission and serving our community.”

https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/youngstown-news/long-time-valley-educator-to-head-up-goodwill/

https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/local/article292360689.html

Goodwill partners with Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber for community needs assessment

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YOUNGSTOWN — Only about 57% of the local civilian labor force hold jobs, according to the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber.

Despite this, the national participation rate is more than 63% based on data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey Data for 2018 through 2022.

To better understand what’s driving these numbers, the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber and Goodwill Industries have partnered to conduct a Community Needs Assessment aimed at addressing the area’s workforce needs.

“We are hopeful that this initiative will help pinpoint employment and training barriers so that we can create a community-wide action plan to overcome them,” said guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber. “That will enable us and our partners to grow the local workforce and ultimately strengthen the economic fabric of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.”

The effort began this week and will continue through August 8, according to the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber.

It will include a survey that’s been distributed to about 3,000 people of the chamber, community stakeholders and the public. Focus groups on the topic will also be held.

Several key data points and their causes will be examined through this process.

For example, education data shows that 37% of 25-64 year-olds in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties, ended their education with a high school diploma.

Statewide, that number is lower by 7% and nationwide that number is 25%.

The goal of this effort is to understand current and future employment demands and barriers faced by the community when entering the workforce.

It will also be used to identify funding opportunities and increase community awareness on services that could help them get a job.

Youngstown Area Goodwill Teams Up with Scrappers

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NILES – Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Inc. is partnering with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for the 2024 season.

The partnership represents a shared commitment to enhancing the area through initiatives that promote inclusivity, empowerment and opportunity, a news release states.

“We are excited about Goodwill’s new partnership for the Scrappers’ upcoming season,” said Shelley Murray, interim CEO of Youngstown Area Goodwill. “We appreciate their commitment to enhancing the family experience, as well as promoting and supporting nonprofit organizations. We are eagerly anticipating the beginning of the season.”

Goodwill will participate in six Community Day Program events, where the organization will have an informational table and blue donation bins for fans to donate items.

Goodwill will be at Eastwood Field on the following dates and representing the following communities:

  • June 19, Niles.
  • June 26, Austintown.
  • July 30, Boardman/Canfield.
  • July 31, Warren.
  • Aug. 4, western Pennsylvania.
  • Aug. 14, Youngstown.

Goodwill will be a jersey sponsor on a seventh date, which is yet to be announced.

“The Scrappers are thrilled to partner with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries this season,” said Jordan Taylor, executive vice president of HWS Baseball. “They have a wonderful mission, and we look forward to helping them promote, as well as fundraise through our partnership.”

Pictured at top: From left are Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries team members Robert Mitchell, career services manager; Roger Beltz, career services manager; Lora Gayan, human resources assistant; Shelley Murray, interim CEO; and Dino Commisso, director of business services.

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries announces new CEO

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH (June 27) – Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, along with its board of directors, proudly announces Ann Phillips as the new CEO of the Youngstown nonprofit. The board of directors named Phillips as their selection after Phillips acted as interim CEO for the past four months. The term followed the resignation of former CEO, Mark Goloja, in February.

“As the board, it’s our honor and privilege to name Ann Phillips CEO,” said HaSheen Wilson, board president. “Phillips has continuously demonstrated her ability to simultaneously lead and follow, which is an exceptional attribute in being an effective leader. Ann’s laser focus to details, ability to simplify and communicate complex information and situations, while keeping her sights on the future made her a clear choice to lead Goodwill through our next era.”

Since joining Youngstown Area Goodwill, Phillips has served the organization through her work in many roles. She began in an entry-level position in 2018, and, after a six-month departure, returned in 2019 to a grants and data management role. She was promoted to Assistant Controller, and shortly after, added the title of Director of Retail, until transitioning into the roles of chief operating officer and chief financial officer. In addition to the interim CEO role, Phillips most recently served the organization as chief operating officer and chief missions officer. She holds a BSBA and MAcc from Youngstown State University.

“I am extremely thankful and excited to be named the CEO of Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc.,” Phillips said. “I know the importance employment has had in my own life, and I’m grateful my experience at Goodwill has led me to translate that appreciation into action that serves others.”

Phillips says Goodwill has so much to offer and plans to continue focusing on workforce development in the community.

“We pride ourselves on providing resources that help individuals with barriers to employment find, maintain and advance their careers and skills in addition to providing meaningful jobs within our own company,” Phillips noted. “We also enjoy working with our partners and area businesses looking to support their employees’ workforce development needs. Goodwill wants to share and gift our mission of believing in the value of people and the power of work.”

Radio Reading microphone and ear muffs.

Youngstown Radio Reading Service Celebrates 30 Years At Goodwill

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH (Feb. 28) – In March, the Youngstown Radio Reading Service will celebrate its 30 year anniversary at Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries. YRRS, which celebrated 45 years of broadcasting last year, is a special non-profit radio station dedicated to providing independent access to information for people who are blind or print impaired. YRRS operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, airing a variety of original interview shows and special-interest programs on top of content from newspapers, magazines and books, read by volunteers.

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Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries Announces Resignation of CEO

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH (Feb. 18) – Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries announced that Mark Goloja, CEO, has resigned from his position to purse a new professional opportunity after nearly three years of service. Today will be his last day with the organization.

“Believing in the value of people and the power of work truly drives our mission at Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, and leading through this belief has been a great honor,” Goloja said. “Youngstown Goodwill and the communities we serve will always be very special to me.”

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