Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area (GIGCA) is pleased to announce Jim Bartoo as its new Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, joining the organization’s senior leadership team as Goodwill continues to grow its presence and mission impact across the region.
A Chattanooga native, Bartoo brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong background in brand development, strategic fundraising, community engagement and storytelling. His career includes senior leadership roles with zoological organizations in Nashville and Columbus, Ohio, as well as earlier experience in television news production in Chattanooga.
“Jim has spent his career connecting people to organizations and causes that matter,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Chattanooga. “His ability to build relationships, tell meaningful stories and bring people together around a shared purpose makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team. As Goodwill continues to grow, we want to make sure our community understands not only what we do, but the impact made possible every day through their support.”
As Vice President of Engagement and Philanthropy, Bartoo will lead an integrated approach to marketing, communications, public relations, philanthropy, advocacy and community engagement. He will focus on strengthening Goodwill’s relationships throughout the community, growing philanthropic support and more clearly connecting the organization’s retail operations with the mission they help make possible. A key part of that work will be telling the “story behind the store,” how donating and shopping at Goodwill help create opportunities for people through employment, training, education and other mission services.
“I’m excited to return to my hometown and join an organization that has been part of this community for more than a century,” said Bartoo. “Goodwill has an incredible story to tell, and I look forward to helping more people understand the impact their donations, purchases, partnerships and philanthropic support can have in the lives of people throughout our region.”
Bartoo’s appointment comes as GIGCA continues to expand its mission impact and capabilities across its 23-county service area in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For more than a century, Goodwill Chattanooga has worked to help people transform potential into opportunity, creating pathways to greater independence, employment, education and economic opportunity.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE GREATER CHATTANOOGA AREA
Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has helped people obtain the training and support they need to find competitive jobs. When you shop or donate to Goodwill, you are helping people in your community turn their potential into opportunity. Visit goodwillchatt.org to learn more.
Goodwill is an autonomous 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is a member agency of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and serves 23 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
