Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Annual Award Celebration
 Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area honored employees at its Fort Oglethorpe location with the prestigious Store of the Year award during an award celebration, which was held at its new Opportunity Campus. 

Christy Gereighty, manager of the East Brainerd store, received the distinctive President’s Award of Excellence for her perseverance, determination, and hard work under difficult circumstances.

“This event provides us the opportunity to share the success of our participants and recognize the outstanding work of our Goodwill team to help us achieve our vision of a place where everyone can achieve their greatest potential,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill.

The President’s Award of Excellence is given to a Goodwill employee who not only reflects Goodwill’s mission through excellent work but is also a symbol of opportunity, hope, and independence. Weldon said the award is given to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to our organization and stands as an inspiration for everyone who works at Goodwill.

“I recall the morning of the tornado and the moment I arrived onsite,” said Weldon. “Christy was devastated and heartbroken but not for herself, for her employees. It was her perseverance, determination, and hard work that helped us turn those challenges into great opportunities.”

Christy Gereighty

President’s Award of Excellence

Fort Oglethorpe

Store of the Year

According to COO Jim Stailey, to win store of the year, everyone involved with that store, from employees to workforce development participants and everyone in between, must excel in operations and exemplify Goodwill’s mission, vision, and values. Congratulations to store manager Debbie O’Neil and her team.

Kendrick Draper

Rise Up Award

The Rise Up Award for outstanding achievement in overcoming barriers and serving as a role model and inspiration for all recipients of services was presented to Kendrick Draper, who was recently promoted to Onboarding and Training Specialist.

Destiny Morrison

Shooting Star Award

Destiny Morrison, Assistant Manager at Goodwill’s Hixson location, received the Shooting Star award in recognition of how she overcame significant odds and barriers to accomplish goals through her experience with Goodwill.

Amanda Stewart

Employer of the Year

Hixson store manager Amanda Stewart received the Employer of the Year Award for her significant efforts to value the applicants’ strengths rather than focusing on their barriers.

Beacon Award

The Beacon Award was presented to four individuals who demonstrate respect for the inherent dignity and worth of people, value, and truth, set high standards, and keep their promises; are committed to the pursuit of excellence; set forward-thinking goals and collaborate to achieve them; respect open and honest communication; value a culture of innovation, learning, and development; and honor the resources entrusted to Goodwill with responsibility and care. Rhonda Johnson, Garrett “Bryan” Lawson, Chris Stuart, and Laura Woodcock all received the Beacon Award.

Blue-Sky Award

The Blue-Sky Award is a special award given to an employee or team who made a significant contribution to innovation or change that has positively impacted the organization. The award was given to the Donated Goods Retail Optimization Team: Heather Harris, Tammy Hood, Kimberly Martin, Malicia McBride and Brittany Peebles.

Share by: