Jim Priest to Retire from Goodwill Central Oklahoma

Announced on December 19, 2023, Chief Executive Officer for Goodwill Central Oklahoma, Jim Priest, is set to retire June 2024 after decades of helping vulnerable and disadvantaged Oklahomans.

Priest joined Goodwill Central Oklahoma in 2020, just two weeks prior to the COVID pandemic business closures. During his time at Goodwill, Priest provided strategic leadership to the nonprofit whose mission is helping people overcome challenges to employment and transforming lives through the power of work.

Along with author Bob Burke, Priest co-authored the history of Goodwill Central Oklahoma in the published book “More Than a Store,” and led the Goodwill team by adopting an “employee first” culture, increasing revenue from $30 million to $48 million in three years while doubling the workforce development programming. Priest was also elected to the Goodwill Industries International Board of Directors.

“I knew my time at Goodwill would come to an end someday, and this seems like the best time to make the transition for our organization. Goodwill is expanding its outreach and mission with passionate employees, strong leadership, and a stable financial situation,” said Priest. “We are serving more Oklahomans every year, and I look forward to seeing further growth as I pivot in a new direction, allowing me to spend more time with family, take my grandson on trips, and finally clean out my garage.”

A trial lawyer for more than 34 years, Priest represented a wide variety of clients in the courtroom, from people on death row to victims of discrimination to defending Fortune 500 companies. Priest was the leader of two other nonprofits and served on several nonprofit boards throughout his career, including Habitat for Humanity, Variety Health, Regional Food Bank, Bethany Public Schools Foundation, Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium, Community Action Agency, and Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene.

Goodwill Central Oklahoma Board Chair Steve Shepelwich said Priest’s shoes will be hard to fill. “Jim was instrumental in guiding Goodwill through COVID, he provided leadership that solidified and expanded our work within the community while also building a foundation for continued impact.”

A national search for Priest’s successor will begin in January 2024.

About Goodwill Central Oklahoma

Goodwill Central Oklahoma is a community-based, nonprofit agency serving 37 Oklahoma counties with 25 retail stores and 17 attended donation centers, one outlet store, and a Job Connection Center. Goodwill is a sustainable social enterprise that funds job training programs and employment placement services by selling donated clothing and household items. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at okgoodwill.org.[/fusion_text]