Barry Reed announced as new President/CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast

Goodwill Gulf Coast proudly announces the appointment of Barry Reed as its new President and CEO, following a national search for the organization’s next leader. Reed, who currently serves as Vice President of Donated Goods Retail for Goodwill Gulf Coast, will assume his new position on October 1, following the retirement of Frank Harkins, the organization’s longtime leader who provided decades of service to the organization and its 10-county service area in Alabama and Florida.

Reed’s selection marks a new chapter for Goodwill Gulf Coast, while also representing a continuation of the organization’s mission and values. Reed’s journey with Goodwill Gulf Coast began nearly 20 years ago when he joined the team as a donation attendant. Since then, he worked his way up through the ranks, holding numerous leadership roles while demonstrating a consistent commitment to maximizing revenues from donated goods and generating financial support for programs and services.

“Barry’s passion, experience, and deep connection to our mission make him the ideal leader for Goodwill Gulf Coast’s next chapter,” Richard Wilkins, Board Chair of Goodwill Gulf Coast, said. “His story is a true ‘Goodwill success story’ that reflects what Goodwill is all about – opportunity for advancement, personal and professional growth, and dedication to the communities we serve.”

Originally from Nashville and raised by a devoted single father in the U.S. Air Force, Reed attributes his values of service, hard work, and community to his upbringing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and recently completed his MBA at the University of West Florida. As CEO, Reed will bring not only Goodwill operational expertise but also a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families through the power of work and education.

“It’s an honor to follow in Frank’s footsteps and lead an organization that has meant so much to me,” Reed said. “Goodwill Gulf Coast changed my life by continually providing me with opportunities to take on new responsibilities. As CEO, I will be committed to ensuring that Goodwill Gulf Coast continues to be a place that improves lives through the power of work and education.”

Reed lives on a small farm near Pace, Florida with his wife of 15 years, Aimee, and their beloved animals. When not at work, he enjoys hiking, home improvement projects and spending time outdoors. He recently joined the Rotary Club of Mobile, a reflection of his desire to deepen his civic engagement and give back to the community that has shaped his life so profoundly.

Harkins will retire at the end of September following 50 years of service in the nonprofit sector. In 1979, Harkins began his 46-year tenure as senior administrator of the Mobile chapter of Alabama Easter Seals and, later on, Goodwill Gulf Coast, following a merger of the two nonprofits in 1999. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the nonprofit organization into a dynamic force for empowerment.

Today, Goodwill Gulf Coast helps thousands of individuals annually through job training, employment placement services, youth and family support, disability services and more – all rooted in its mission to empower people through education, employment, and supportive services. In FY 2024, for every dollar that Goodwill Gulf Coast spent, 90 cents went directly to support programs and services.