Chris Jackson is the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont; he has held this position since June 2017. Chris joined Goodwill in November 2010 as Vice President of Strategic Planning & Organizational Development, with responsibilities for the design, management and support of annual and strategic planning processes and performance measurement systems. In April 2013, Chris was promoted to Executive Vice President of Workforce Services & Organizational Development with expanded responsibilities to oversee the organization’s employment and career development services, annual and strategic planning process, performance management systems and human resource functions. Under his leadership, a bold strategic plan was developed that influenced all areas of the organization’s operations, resulting in a significant redesign of client services, increased strategic partnerships with other health and human services agencies, improved development and engagement of team members, and the development of dynamic partnerships at the new Leon Levine Opportunity Center on the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Charlotte, NC.
As President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Chris leads with purpose and a commitment to creating a culture of support for all individuals to see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. A commitment to partner with them in a way that promotes dignity and builds on the inherent strengths everyone possesses. A commitment to serve others with excellence regardless of their background, circumstance or color of their skin. This is his life’s work and passion.
Prior to joining Goodwill, Chris was Vice President of Community Building for United Way of Central Carolinas and a principal in the Retail Client Group for The Vanguard Group in Charlotte, NC, and Valley Forge, PA.
Chris is actively involved in the community as a current member of the Charlotte Works Board of Directors and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership Board of Directors. He serves as Chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce Development Providers Council. He is a member of the Greenlight Fund Selection Advisory Council, Charlotte Rotary, Mecklenburg Executive Collaborative Steering Committee, and the City of Charlotte’s Public-Private Partnership on Racial Equity.
Chris is involved in leadership roles with Goodwill Industries International as a member of the Goodwill Council of Agency Executives, Goodwill Industries International Board of Directors, serving on the Membership Standards, Public Policy, and Strategic Impact Committees. He serves as Chair of the Goodwill Mid-Atlantic Regional Association (MAGIC).
Chris holds a business degree in organizational innovation from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program. He is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class XIII) and the Community Building Initiative-LDI Class I.
Chris enjoys riding motorcycles, working on home projects, and attending jazz concerts. He and his wife Renee live in Charlotte and have three adult children and four grandchildren.
