Congratulating Don Johnson on His Retirement As the Ceo of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois

Floor Speech

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Don Johnson for his decades of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector and his impactful tenure as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. In this role, Johnson led the organization to expand workforce development efforts and launched new initiatives aimed at supporting some of the most vulnerable populations in Central Illinois.

Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Science from Western Illinois University. Before joining Goodwill in 2016, he served as Executive Director of the Hult Center for Healthy Living and as Vice President of Community Investments at the Heart of Illinois United Way. In those roles, he championed data-driven community investments, built expansive volunteer networks, and led public health and education initiatives, including 211, Success by Six, and Supporting Student Access.

During Johnson's tenure at Goodwill, the organization broadened its mission beyond traditional job training and donation-based stores. Under his leadership, Goodwill introduced innovative programs that supported children and families at risk of violence and created a new job placement program for neurodivergent young adults. One of his biggest projects being the expansion of the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans, which helped raise nearly $1.5 million for the strengthening of services for local veterans.

Don Johnson's tireless leadership and commitment to the non-profit sector has left a lasting impact on Central Illinois. His work has advanced economic opportunity, human dignity, and community well-being. I congratulate Don on his retirement and wish him, his wife Kim, and their two daughters all the best in this next chapter of life.

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