Goodwill NYNJ Names Katy Gaul-Stigge President and CEO

NEW YORK, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) has announced that Katy Gaul-Stigge will be the new President and CEO effective mid-March, 2016.  Gaul-Stigge is currently the executive director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and has led key citywide workforce development agencies for more than a decade. Gaul-Stigge will be the first woman to lead Goodwill NYNJ in its 101 years of operations. She succeeds William J. Forrester who retires after 33 years of service to the Astoria-based social enterprise.

"Katy was the unanimous choice of our Board Selection Committee after conducting an extensive search," said Henry E. Gooss, Goodwill NYNJ Board Chairman. "She will bring a fresh perspective, imagination and enthusiasm to our solid Goodwill NYNJ team."

Gaul-Stigge has been a major force in workforce development strategy and policy for more than 10 years - gaining national and international attention for her development of Mayor de Blasio's Career Pathways strategy. In her role as executive director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, Gaul-Stigge coordinates workforce with economic development in all five boroughs, creates a real time connection to businesses to ensure their needs are met, and effectively connects those New Yorkers seeking workforce services to quality jobs with opportunities for advancement.

"Goodwill NYNJ is a dynamic organization; I am honored to be the first woman CEO. I am inspired by Goodwill's mission to help individuals to gain independence through the power of work," said Katy Gaul-Stigge. "The model of creating jobs and community programming through personal donations transforms lives and communities."

"I'm excited that Katy Gaul-Stigge has been appointed to the position of president and CEO of Goodwill NYNJ," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International." Gaul-Stigge has an extensive background in workforce training programs and deep relationships within the community, which will bring great value to the strategic growth of Goodwill NYNJ. I look forward to collaborating with her and the broader team on transforming the vision for the organization."

Previously, Gaul-Stigge was deputy commissioner of employment and contracts for the Human Resources Administration of the City of New York. In this position, she led HRA employment programs to enable New Yorkers on public assistance to find and keep a job through the Back to Work, Jobs-Plus and other specialized employment programs. Before that, Gaul-Stigge served as Assistant Commissioner of Workforce1 Training & Advancement at the Department of Small Business Services. In this position, she directed skills training programs and policy for the Individual Training Grants at the New York City Workforce1 Career Centers and led the Advance at work program to increase income for the working poor.

Gaul-Stigge graduated from Mount Holyoke College and received a master's degree in social work from Columbia University.

"A dedicated public servant for more than 14 years, Katy has been a 'powerhouse' who has brought a positive, clear vision to the complex system of New York City workforce development," said Alicia Glen, NYC Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development. "I know she will lead Goodwill NYNJ to innovative new programs and strengthen the organization."

About Goodwill NYNJ

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc., is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization and   member of the network of 164 agencies of Goodwill Industries International, each with a designated region. Goodwill NYNJ manages a broad range of services focused on supporting people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain self-sufficiency through the power of work.  

A social enterprise model, the 41 retail stores support the mission of Goodwill NYNJ through the sale of new and slightly used donated goods. The stores also provide employment for our core constituency. Good Temps, our  temporary  staffing division places 700 individuals in jobs weekly and  serves both private companies and  city and state agencies. Our welfare to work services as well as programs which engage youth in school and the surrounding community  provide resources  and  supports  designed to break the cycle of poverty for those facing significant barriers.

Since our beginnings 101 years ago, our mission has been to provide opportunities for individuals to gain independence through the power of work.  Each year, Goodwill NYNJ provides services and assistance to thousands of Greater New York area residents, helping them become work ready so they can build better lives for themselves and their families.

Learn more about Goodwill NYNJ at www.goodwillNYNJ.org.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey

Related Links

http://www.goodwillNYNJ.org