Harkins to retire as Goodwill CEO after 50 years of nonprofit leadership

Following 50 years of dedicated service to nonprofit organizations, Goodwill Gulf Coast has announced the retirement of Frank Harkins as President and CEO, whose vision has been instrumental in shaping the mission and impact of Goodwill Gulf Coast throughout its 10-county service area in Alabama and Florida. Harkins will retire from the position this October.

Harkins spent the first four years of his career at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, AL, which was instrumental to his understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities. 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 community empowerment.

“I’m grateful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve Goodwill Gulf Coast for the past 46 years,” Harkins said. “It has been my pleasure to work with the Board members, community leaders, and Goodwill staff and volunteers who have played such a vital role in our success.”

Through Harkins’ leadership, Goodwill Gulf Coast grew substantially, expanding its programs, services, and retail operations across southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. The array of programs and services – most offered free-of-charge to participants – moved from a historical mission of providing vocational rehabilitation services and medical equipment assistance to address even more community needs, including early childhood intervention, an inclusive child development center, English language and literacy programs, GED training and testing, youth-at-risk measures, an autism evaluation clinic, and an adult day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

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.

“Frank’s vision and heart have been the cornerstone of our mission for nearly half a century,” Richard Wilkins, Board Chair of Goodwill Gulf Coast, said. “His unwavering dedication and service has improved countless lives and helped build more supportive, inclusive communities. We are deeply grateful for his long-term leadership and legacy. His impact will continue to resonate through the outstanding non-profit organization he helped build and the many lives he touched over the years.”

During his tenure, Harkins championed community partnerships and prioritized programs that address barriers to employment, access to education, and economic mobility. His steadfast commitment has earned him recognition from numerous organizations over the years, including being named Rotarian of the Year in 2014 by the Mobile Downtown Rotary Club.

In a statement to the Board and staff reflecting on his pending retirement, Harkins shared: “It has been the honor of my life to serve this organization and the people we support. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together and confident in the future of Goodwill Gulf Coast as it continues to grow and meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Harkins has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University with a focus in Rehabilitation and a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham in Rehabilitation Counseling. Frank and his wife, Debbie, together have five children and 12 grandchildren.