Goodwill Manasota names new president

Goodwill Industries Manasota recently named a new president following a nationwide search. 

Donn Githens assumed the role of president July 1. He succeeds President and CEO Bob Rosinsky who will remain CEO until his retirement in June 2022. Rosinsky will assist Githens and the company’s board of directors with strategic planning, organizational development, project management and the transition, according to a statement. 

Donn Githens has served as Goodwill Manasota’s VP of operations since 2015 and worked within the Goodwill system since 2006. In his former role, Githens was responsible for the execution of GIMI’s mission integrated donated goods retail operation. 

Githens also assumed oversight of marketing and communications, real estate, facility maintenance, property management, and mission development activities in support of other Goodwill groups across the country.

“While we conducted a rigorous national search for the best possible leadership to guide Goodwill Manasota into the future, we were admittedly thrilled to find that leader right here, within our own organization,” says Board Chair Steve Boone in the press release. “Not only does he have extensive knowledge and experience overseeing nearly every facet of our operations, he has also benefited from rigorous leadership training and is dedicated to the mission and continuous improvement of Goodwill. We are proud to welcome him to his new role and excited to see his impact on the organization for many years to come.”

Goodwill Manasota provides services that range from job readiness, skills training and employment placement as well as facilitating connections to holistic wraparound services. 

Goodwill Manasota has two Job Connection offices and a Veterans Services program office as well as virtual services available for those living in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties. In 2020, Goodwill Manasota served over 400 people in the Job Connection, placed 194 people in jobs, served 314 veterans and offered support to 55 team members in the Supported Jobs Plus program.