Goodwill Welcomes Celina Williams as Director of Human Resources
Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Celina Williams as the organization’s new Director of Human Resources.
In this key leadership role, Williams will oversee strategic and day-to-day HR operations, ensuring that all policies and practices support Goodwill’s mission to empower individuals through employment and community-based services.
With a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a diverse background spanning for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors, Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. Her career began with a government contractor in New Mexico, where she supported personnel functions, while her husband served in the U.S. Air Force. Since then, she has led HR departments across multiple sectors, consistently driving impact through strategic planning, compliance leadership, employee engagement and organizational development.
“As Director of Human Resources at Goodwill, I aim to evolve the HR department from an administrative function to a true strategic partner,” Williams said. “By strengthening recruitment, onboarding, compliance and engagement, we will be better positioned to support both our team and the broader community.”
One of her key goals is to restructure the HR department to align more closely with business objectives and operational needs, emphasizing efficiency, trust and collaboration. This strategic shift will enhance internal processes and ensure HR initiatives are rooted in Goodwill’s mission to eliminate employment barriers.
Williams, a graduate of Indian Creek High School, believes her greatest impact will come through building a people-first culture: “The single largest investment any organization makes is in its people. A strong HR presence is essential for any other goal to be achieved.”
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Williams brings a strong sense of family and community to her role. She is the youngest of five siblings with a growing extended family that includes eight nieces and nephews, thirteen great-nieces and nephews, and one more on the way. Married to her husband Kevin for 23 years, the couple has four children.
Goodwill is confident that Williams’ experience, leadership and commitment to mission-driven work will be instrumental in advancing its goals and fostering a supportive, high-performing workplace culture.
“We’re excited to welcome Celina Williams to the Goodwill team. Her leadership and experience will strengthen the connection between our people and our mission, while her strategic vision will play a key role in empowering our team, fostering a culture of support and accountability, and advancing our impact both internally and in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Shelley Murray, CEO of Youngstown Goodwill Area Industries.
