Welcoming Bev Kobe as Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes’ President & CEO 

The Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes (Goodwill) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bev Kobe as the new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1st, 2023. With an exceptional track record of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, Bev is poised to lead Goodwill into a new era of impact, innovation, and growth.

“This is an exciting time of growth and innovation at Goodwill. We are thrilled to have Bev as Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes’ President & Chief Executive Officer to further our commitment to transforming communities and empowering individuals through the Power of Work,” says Mehendi Kamani, Board Chair.

Bev has been with Goodwill since 2008, advancing in leadership roles, most recently fulfilling a dual role, serving as Executive Director for Goodwill’s Career Centres and Chief Mission Advancement Officer for the broader organization.  Outgoing President & CEO, Michelle Quintyn, is very excited to welcome Bev to this role.  Michelle will remain engaged for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition of her role and responsibilities.

Bev is a purpose driven leader with a focus on driving strategy forward, building culture and advancing people toward prosperity. She introduced a robust Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression strategy led by an engaged taskforce and continues to lead and innovate as we strive to build equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of our organization.  Bev was integral in the launch of a comprehensive Wellness Program, overseeing the delivery of a Mental Health Action Plan to support Goodwill employees as they continue to navigate stressors created by the pandemic and other societal disruptors. 

With a focus on demonstrating the impact of mission integration, leveraging Goodwill’s work platforms to deliver work readiness programming, Bev was instrumental in proposing and executing a series of pilots and launching Work First integrating life stabilization, wellness, and intensive skills training into the workplace. Work First has successfully connected people who face barriers to meaningful work at Goodwill and beyond.

Bev is an Ivey Business School ‘Community Shift’ Fellow, an elite program and credential for Canadian leaders of not-for-profit organizations with a focus on organizational development, change management strategies and leadership awareness.  Bev is currently enrolled in the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program, a rigorous learning experience focused on results and performance for social enterprise, organizational change and diagnosis, advocacy and public policy, culture, and leadership.

“The Power of Work is transformative – it provides a sense of purpose and belonging.  I welcome the opportunity to lead this dedicated, talented team as we continue to grow our business, and grow our impact on individuals and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to further Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and communities through the Power of Work.” 

Bev Kobe, Incoming President & CEO