Goodwill-Suncoast Executive and Leadership Team

Deborah Passerini, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, directs the overarching mission of providing vocational training and employment services across ten counties in West Central Florida. Passerini architects long-term strategic initiatives that align nonprofit operations with the evolving needs of the regional workforce. By collaborating with the Board of Directors, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures fiscal sustainability and operational excellence within the charitable sector. Deborah Passerini maintains a focus on expanding community outreach programs that assist individuals facing significant barriers to employment. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives growth in mission-related outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while maintaining the integrity of the nonprofit business model. Ultimately, Passerini secures the resources necessary to sustain high-impact social programs throughout the Suncoast region.

R. Waits, the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus at Goodwill-Suncoast, provides foundational guidance and historical perspective to the current leadership team. Waits supports the organization by advising on long-term institutional values and maintaining relationships with key community stakeholders across West Central Florida. As the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, R. Waits ensures continuity in the mission-driven culture that defines the nonprofit. This role involves mentoring executive staff and offering insights into the evolution of charitable services within the regional market. By leveraging decades of experience, the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus strengthens the strategic positioning of the organization. Waits contributes to the stability of the governance structure, allowing the current leadership to focus on modernizing vocational training initiatives. Through this advisory capacity, the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus preserves the core identity of the institution while supporting ongoing efforts to improve community welfare.

Jacqueline Miller, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, manages the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies required to support a large-scale nonprofit workforce. Miller architects comprehensive employee engagement programs that align with the mission of providing vocational training across West Central Florida. As the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Jacqueline Miller oversees the implementation of performance management systems that drive operational efficiency. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to foster a culture of inclusivity and professional growth. By optimizing internal human capital processes, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a high-performing team capable of delivering essential community services. Miller monitors labor market trends to refine recruitment strategies, ensuring the nonprofit attracts top talent dedicated to social impact. Through these efforts, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal foundation necessary for sustained regional growth.

Yvonne Taylor, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, directs the administration of benefits, compensation, and workplace safety protocols for the entire organization. Taylor architects policies that ensure compliance with labor regulations while supporting the diverse needs of staff members operating across ten counties in West Central Florida. As the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer, Yvonne Taylor manages the integration of HR technology to streamline administrative workflows and improve data accuracy. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to align workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the nonprofit. By focusing on employee retention and professional development, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the overall effectiveness of the service delivery model. Taylor drives initiatives that promote a healthy work environment, ensuring the organization remains a preferred employer within the charitable sector while fulfilling its mission to empower the local community.