Goodwill-Suncoast Executive and Leadership Team

Deborah Passerini, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nonprofit organization. Passerini manages the delivery of vocational training and social services across ten counties in West Central Florida. By aligning operational goals with the mission of fostering independence, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the long-term financial health of the organization. Passerini collaborates with the Board to expand community outreach programs and enhance service accessibility for diverse populations. This leadership role involves monitoring regional economic trends to optimize resource allocation for job placement initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Deborah Passerini maintains high standards of operational excellence. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for individuals seeking employment opportunities and personal development within the regional market.

R Lee Waits, the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus at Goodwill-Suncoast, provides strategic counsel and historical context to the current leadership team. Waits supports the organization by maintaining relationships with key community stakeholders and long-term partners across West Central Florida. The Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus offers guidance on governance matters and ensures the preservation of the core mission during periods of organizational transition. By leveraging decades of experience, Waits assists in the development of sustainable philanthropic strategies that bolster the nonprofit's impact. R Lee Waits facilitates high-level discussions regarding the future trajectory of the organization, ensuring alignment with established values. This advisory role involves mentoring emerging leaders and reinforcing the commitment to vocational excellence. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Honorary President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus secures the continuity of the organization's charitable legacy and its ongoing dedication to serving the regional community.

Yvonne Taylor, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, architects the internal talent strategy and organizational culture. Taylor oversees the recruitment, retention, and professional development of the workforce across the ten-county service area. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the skills necessary to support the nonprofit's mission. Yvonne Taylor manages complex labor relations and compliance requirements, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes employee engagement. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures that attract top talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through the optimization of human capital processes, Taylor directly impacts the efficiency of service delivery for the organization. The Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other executives to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that the organization maintains a high-performing team dedicated to vocational success.

Jacqueline Miller, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Goodwill-Suncoast, directs the operational aspects of employee benefits and organizational safety protocols. Miller manages the administration of health and wellness initiatives for the workforce operating throughout West Central Florida. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the overall employee experience and organizational transparency. Jacqueline Miller monitors workplace safety standards to ensure compliance with regional regulations and best practices. This leadership role involves analyzing workforce data to identify trends in turnover and engagement, allowing for proactive adjustments to personnel policies. Through the implementation of robust performance management systems, Miller supports the professional growth of staff members across all departments. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with the executive team to cultivate a supportive work environment that reflects the nonprofit's commitment to dignity and empowerment, ultimately driving the success of the organization's mission.