Christopher M. Jackson

Chris Jackson is a visionary nonprofit leader whose 15-year career at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont (GISP) exemplifies transformative leadership rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity. Since becoming President and CEO in June 2017, he has driven bold strategic initiatives that have expanded GISP’s impact and ensured equitable access to career development and economic mobility throughout the region. Under Chris’s leadership, Goodwill has achieved remarkable growth through innovative partnerships, including the groundbreaking Leon Levine Opportunity Center on the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Charlotte, NC. His people-first philosophy and commitment to the service of others has cultivated a culture of collaboration that consistently delivers results. 

His exceptional leadership has earned regional and national recognition, including QCity Metro’s Great 28 (2024), Charlotte Business Journal’s Power 100 and Most Admired CEOs (2022), and the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award from Goodwill Industries International (2021). 

Chris brings deep expertise across multiple disciplines: workforce development, executive coaching, strategic planning, board governance, and performance measurement. He holds a business degree in organizational innovation from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of prestigious leadership programs including Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program, the American Leadership Forum (Senior Fellow, Class XIII), and the Community Building Initiative’s Leadership Development Initiative (Class I). In 2024, he earned certification as a Certified Professional Coach, further strengthening his ability to empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. 

His distinguished career began with leadership positions at The Vanguard Group in both Charlotte, NC, and Valley Forge, PA, followed by service as Vice President of Community Building at United Way of Central Carolinas. Since joining Goodwill in 2010, Chris has demonstrated sustained excellence, advancing from strategic planning roles to Vice President of Strategic Planning & Organizational Development, then Executive Vice President of Workforce Services & Organizational Development, before assuming the CEO role. 

Chris’s influence extends far beyond his organization as a national leader within the Goodwill network. He has served as Chair of the Goodwill Council of Agency Executives and as a board member of Goodwill Industries International, Inc. He also chaired MAGIC (Mid-Atlantic Goodwill Industries Coalition), advancing collaboration and leadership across the region. 

His commitment to community transformation is evident through extensive board leadership. Currently serving on the boards of Charlotte Works and as an Advisory Member of the Augustine Literacy Project. Chris provides strategic guidance to workforce development and educational equity initiatives. His previous board service includes leadership roles with DreamKey Partners, RLB Leadership Academy, and Crisis Assistance Ministry, as well as chairing the Mecklenburg County Workforce Providers Council. 

Today, Chris continues to drive community impact through his ongoing service as a mentor an executive coach, developing emerging leaders across nonprofit and business sectors while advancing workforce development and leadership excellence throughout the region. 

Born in Philadelphia and a Charlotte resident since 2020, Chris enjoys motorcycles, home improvement projects, and jazz concerts. He is a proud father of three adult children and grandfather of six, finding deep fulfillment in family life while remaining actively engaged in strengthening his community.