Goodwill of Western New York has announced that Thomas Lynch, the agency’s President & CEO, will retire effective March 31, 2020. Lynch has served since 2012 and has played a critical role in the agency’s success. During his leadership, he has more than doubled the agency’s operating budget to $11.5 million while completely rebuilding and revamping the agency’s retail store network. New corporate workforce development partnerships have been developed, and approximately 10,000 people have received training and gained employment.
During his tenure, Goodwill co-founded the Veterans One-stop Center and continues to serve veterans through its Veterans Employment Services division located at the One-stop. The agency also co-founded the Northland Workforce Training Center and provides on-site job placement services for graduating students. Referrals to Goodwill’s workforce programs through the Erie County Department of Social Services and New York State Department of Education have expanded, providing a greater number of individuals with the skills and training needed to enter or re-enter the work force. Most recently, Goodwill introduced two new workforce development programs – Long Term Employment Services, funded by the Key Bank and First Niagara Foundations and the Manufacture Your Future program funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. Goodwill’s Contract Manufacturing Services division which provides a first step to a family sustaining wage has grown to provide a greater number of individuals with the real life work experience necessary to succeed in the workplace. Expanded contract manufacturing capabilities have allowed Goodwill to provide additional cost-effective solutions for businesses who contract with them. Goodwill’s Donated Goods /Retail division has also experienced growth as new retail stores have been added and all twelve stores refreshed and rebranded to convey Goodwill’s mission.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve Goodwill as President and CEO for the past eight years. It has been the most rewarding part of my career,” said Lynch. “As we approach the celebration of our Goodwill’s 100th anniversary, I feel we are in a position for a new leader to build on our achievements. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to Goodwill’s future continued success.”
John Wright, Chair of Goodwill’s Board of Directors says, “Tom’s eight years of leadership at Goodwill has, and will continue to have, a lasting positive effect on the communities we serve. He has passionately served the organization and his influence has had a profound impact on the Goodwill staff and the clients we serve. I want to thank Tom for all he has done for the development and success of Goodwill of WNY.”
Goodwill has retained Performance Management Partners, to recruit Goodwill’s next President & CEO and a search is currently in progress for Lynch’s successor. The position is posted at https://www.performancepros.net/career-opportunities.
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