Roanoke’s based nonprofit Goodwill Industries of the Valleys appointed new chief people officer, to manage more than 1,000 employees

Roanoke, Virginia – Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a nonprofit organization based in Roanoke, has recently announced the appointment of Rachel Putman as its new chief people officer. This Virginia-based entity caters to people with disabilities and disadvantages in 35 counties and 14 cities, stretching from the Shenandoah Valley to Southern and Southwest Virginia.

Putman’s appointment as chief people officer will entail the management of all human resources aspects for Goodwill’s 1,000-plus employees across its service area. Furthermore, Putman will take on the crucial responsibility of devising and implementing strategies aimed at attracting, retaining, and nurturing talent for Goodwill’s mission.

With an impressive track record of over 20 years in human resources management, Putman’s addition to the Goodwill team will undoubtedly prove valuable. Her most recent role as vice president of human resources for Carilion Clinic’s ambulatory services division saw her successfully lead a team of HR professionals responsible for supporting a workforce of over 4,000 employees in over 200 locations.

Goodwill’s selection of Putman as chief people officer shows the organization’s continued commitment to its mission, to help those with disabilities and disadvantages secure meaningful employment and training opportunities. As such, it is a promising move that is sure to positively impact both the organization and the community it serves.

“I am thrilled to join Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and be part of an organization that makes such a positive impact on our communities,” Putman said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and leadership team to foster a culture of excellence, engagement, and inclusion that supports our vision of empowering individuals through work and education.”

Putman holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Roanoke College and a master’s degree in human resource management from Marymount University. She is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the HR Certification Institute and as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society for Human Resource Management.

“Rachel is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in human resources strategy and operations,” said Bruce Phipps, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “She will be a valuable addition to our executive team as we continue to grow our organization and serve more people in need.”

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has a rich history, with its roots dating back to 1931 when it was founded as Goodwill Industries of Roanoke Valley. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach to encompass over 10,000 square miles of Virginia. In 2020 alone, Goodwill provided its services to more than 38,000 individuals and successfully placed over 2,400 people into employment.

To fund its mission services, Goodwill operates 28 retail stores and donation centers spread throughout its expansive service area. The revenue generated from these retail locations goes directly towards supporting Goodwill’s many programs. Amongst these programs, Goodwill offers an array of career development services, youth services, senior community service employment programs (SCSEP), day support services for adults with intellectual disabilities (ADS), brain injury services (BIS), veterans’ services (VetWORKS), re-entry services (REACH), disability benefits counseling (WIPA), SNAP employment & training programs (SET), financial stability centers (FSC), community housing programs (CHP), homeless veterans’ reintegration programs (HVRP), supportive services for veteran families (SSVF), rapid re-housing programs (RRH), permanent supportive housing programs (PSH), housing choice voucher programs (HCVP), family self-sufficiency programs (FSS), and homeownership education & counseling programs (HEC).

The variety of programs offered by Goodwill showcases its unwavering commitment to helping individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to achieve their full potential. Goodwill’s impact can be felt throughout the community, as it provides vital services and resources to those in need. The organization’s many programs, paired with its retail stores and donation centers, work together to support Goodwill’s mission and help individuals achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Goodwill’s vision is “to empower individuals through work & education so they may achieve their highest level of personal & economic independence.” Its values are “respecting everyone; being accountable; being innovative; being collaborative; being passionate about our mission.”

For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Valleys or how to support its mission visit www.goodwillvalleys.com or call 540-581-0620.