Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Inc., is pleased to welcome Vicki Burton as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Burton comes to the organization with more than 30 years of leadership experience, beginning with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, where she retired as Deputy Director of Business Development and State Workforce Development Liaison.
Prior to joining Goodwill of South Mississippi, she spent five years at Goodwill of Mississippi based in Jackson, where she was the Vice President of Workforce Development. Under Burton’s guidance, the program expanded exponentially, increasing services to adults and students with disabilities, providing training to those impacted by the criminal justice system, introducing a childhood literacy reading program, and delivering workforce development services to the general public.
Burton’s community involvement and board service include the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi (president), the Southeastern Region of the National Rehabilitation Association (vice president), and the Southcentral Mississippi Works Workforce Board. Her leadership development includes the Georgia State University Leadership Program, MDRS LEADRS Succession Planning Initiative, State Executive Development Institute, Mississippi State Supervisory Training, and the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program.
“I am looking forward to leveraging my experience in workforce development as we continue to work toward eliminating barriers to employment for the people of South Mississippi,” said Burton, a Mississippi native who stepped into her new role last month. “There is a committed team in place here, and I am excited about what I know we can accomplish together. The communities we serve will benefit from our collective efforts to expand and enhance our service offerings as well as the donor and shopper experience.”
Goodwill of South Mississippi operates 11 retail stores, which fund the operations of two Career Connections where Gulf Coast residents can receive career training and job placement assistance.
“It’s important to help everyone reach their full potential, and for Goodwill, that means helping our neighbors find meaningful, sustainable employment,” Burton noted. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the residents of the Gulf Coast.”
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Goodwill of South Mississippi, established in 1974, has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals across the Mississippi Gulf Coast for nearly five decades. With the deeply rooted belief that every person deserves the chance to reach their full potential, we have dedicated ourselves to providing comprehensive employment services and transforming lives. Last year, we served more than 6,300 clients, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. Through job training, career counseling, and placement services, we equip our program participants with the skills and confidence they need to enter or re-enter the workforce. Additionally, our retail operations kept 2.13 million pounds of recycled goods out of landfills. A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Goodwill of South Mississippi is more than just a thrift store or a job placement agency; we are a catalyst for positive change. For more information about our programs, services, and how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.GoodwillSMS.org.
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