Michael Smith, President/CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, has announced his retirement after 20 years of leading the organization. His retirement will be effective in early October 2022.
Since becoming President/CEO in 2002, Mr. Smith has led unprecedented growth for Goodwill SWPA. Today the organization stands proudly as one of the region’s largest and most impactful human services nonprofits, with an annual budget of nearly $60 million, and serving tens of thousands of people each year. Goodwill’s mission is to help people improve their quality of life through work and related services.
Mr. Smith started his career as Goodwill SWPA’s Controller in 1989. When he assumed the role of President/CEO in 2002, the organization’s budget was under $30 million, operating 20 thrift stores to support its mission, and employing over 600 people. As Mr. Smith’s career comes to a close, Goodwill operates 34 thrift stores and employs almost 1,200 individuals in southwestern PA and north central West Virginia.
“My decision to retire is bittersweet because I have been with our organization for more than 33 years,” said Mr. Smith. “Our mission is what has kept me at Goodwill all these years. I am extremely proud of all the lives we have been able to change, and the impact Goodwill has made in the community. I’m also gratified by our excellent financial position which helped make my decision easier, and the future of our organization looks positive because I believe I have accomplished my goals as President/CEO. However, I quickly acknowledge that would not have been possible without the determination and hard work of every Goodwill team member, past and present, and a very strong and dedicated Board of Directors. I am grateful to them all! Even long after my retirement, I will bleed ‘Goodwill Blue,’” referring to the blue found in the organization’s corporate logo.
During Mr. Smith’s tenure at Goodwill SWPA, the organization developed many new programs and businesses including youth transition services, digital skills training, a robust e-commerce division, and the Mission Logistics trucking company. He also oversaw successful mergers with Northside Common Ministries and YouthWorks, and since 2004, the organization has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Over the last two years, Mr. Smith has also been a passionate leader and change agent for Goodwill SWPA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiative.
Community awards and recognitions received by Mr. Smith include the 2021 Pittsburgh Business Times Outstanding CEO & Top Executive and the 2011 CEO Diamond Award; Rotarian of the Year, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh 2009-10; Goodwill Industries International, 2009 Gerald L. Clore Award for International Development; and Robert Morris University, 2002 Alumni Achiever of the Year Award – Class of 1977. Mr. Smith has also served on numerous boards including the Robert Morris University Board of Trustees, and the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh serving as Club President in 2017-2018; and as a founding Advisory Board member of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership. He was also part of the original nonprofit organization that brought the Washington Wild Things to our region.
“Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated that even during the most challenging times, he’s been a tremendous leader who has always moved our organization forward,” said Marijane Treacy, Chairperson of Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors. “He’s been a huge asset to our community and a champion of those we serve. Mike is an example of the kind of thoughtful, dedicated leader every organization would envy in times of calm and crisis. On behalf of Goodwill SWPA’s entire Board of Directors, we wish Mike a wonderful retirement!”
Robert Stape, Goodwill’s current Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Chief Compliance Officer will serve as Interim CEO and has begun the transition into his interim role. Mr. Stape started his career with Goodwill SWPA in 2001 and has served in various roles within the organization during his tenure. He has been responsible for the overall operations of the organization including the Donated Goods Retail, Human Resources, Risk Management, Loss Prevention, Facility Management, Real Estate Management, and Distribution and Logistics, Mission Logistics, LLC, UniqueSource, and SourceAmerica contracts. He holds a BS Degree from Geneva College and an MBA from Waynesburg College. Mr. Stape is also a graduate of the Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program.
Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors will retain an executive search firm to partner with the Board’s Search and Transition committee to conduct a nationwide search for the new CEO. The search will officially launch within the next several weeks.