Nationally recognized workforce leader Tamara Atkinson to join Goodwill Central Texas executive teams

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodwill Central Texas announced today that Tamara Atkinson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area's Chief Executive Officer since 2016, will join its executive team this fall to oversee workforce development. Effective Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, Atkinson will assume the role of Chief Impact Officer and President of Workforce Advancement Strategy, to further the organization's mission to transform lives through the power of education and work.

"Tamara's arrival marks a pivotal moment for Goodwill Central Texas," Rob Neville, President and Chief Executive Officer at Goodwill Central Texas, said. "She's not just joining our team; she's helping to lead a movement. Her proven leadership in workforce development combined with her heart for the community will supercharge our ability to transform lives. With Tamara at the helm of our workforce strategy, we're not only doubling down on our mission, we're accelerating our vision."

This appointment advances Goodwill Central Texas' commitment to accelerate social and economic impact by doubling mission reach, expanding access to underserved communities, and forging partnerships that drive lasting change. Atkinson's workforce leadership and invaluable community relationships will help expand access to workforce advancement services, increase reach through expanded programs, and develop strategic partnerships that open pathways to quality, future-ready careers. With a proven track record of making workforce advancement accessible to all, her appointment underscores Goodwill Central Texas' unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers to education and employment, and to preparing our community for the jobs of tomorrow.

"I am honored to join Goodwill Central Texas to expand community partnerships and reimagined, state-of-the-art workforce and education delivery services," Atkinson said. "My first career was as a teacher and school administrator, and the last 25 years have been dedicated to helping Central Texans find better jobs and careers. By joining the great team at Goodwill, I get to bring these two interconnected passions – education and workforce – to more people through Goodwill's robust service area."

Guided by its values of Caring, Innovation, and Accountability, Goodwill Central Texas envisions a Central Texas where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The organization is committed to expanding its mission impact to meet unmet workforce needs—driving bold innovation, advancing sustainable practices, and expanding equitable access—creating lasting social and economic change across its 15-county service area.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area previously announced Atkinson's decision to step down, concluding her 25-year tenure with the organization, on Sept. 19, 2025. Yael Lawson, formerly Chief Operations Officer, was named Interim Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

About Goodwill Central Texas
Over 10,000 Central Texans who face employment obstacles are served annually through Goodwill's mission-based services, including job navigation assistance for underserved populations, career training through Goodwill Career and Technical Advancement Academy (GCTA), and adult high school education at The Excel Center.

As one of the region's largest employers, Goodwill Central Texas currently diverts almost 80% of all donations from the landfill, with a goal of increasing to 90%. In addition, $0.89 of every dollar spent at one of Goodwill's 40 stores and outlets in the Greater Austin area helps fund the organization's free services and community programs.

SOURCE Goodwill Central Texas