Goodwill Industries of Tenneva president accepts national role

KINGSPORT — Goodwill Industries of Tenneva President and CEO Morris Baker is moving into a national role with Goodwill Industries International, the company announced Thursday. Baker has been named the director of donated goods and retail development program, where he will work with Goodwill CEOs and senior leadership teams across the country. He will continue to work and live in Kingsport, the release states. "Morris Baker's leadership has been both transformative and deeply rooted in our community," Steve Hightower, chair of the Goodwill Tenneva board of directors, said in the release. "He is taking the experience and success built here and applying it at the national and international level. We are proud of the work accomplished under his leadership and confident in the organization's strong position moving forward." During his near-decade in the role, Baker oversaw Goodwill Industries of Tenneva's purchase of the former Traders Village property — which now serves as the company's local headquarters. He also shepherded the company through COVID-19 transitions and adapted mobile store models to help the community during Hurricane Helene. According to the release, Goodwill Tenneva experienced "sustained growth in workforce participation, wages, mission services, and financial stability" during Baker's time as president, and states the organization is "well positioned for continued success." Next steps Baker is expected to remain as president and CEO for the next few months, working with the board of directors and leadership team. He will then transition into an advisory role to support the board as it searches for the organization's next CEO. "This opportunity allows me to support Goodwill organizations across the broader Goodwill network by strengthening donated goods and retail operations and developing leaders," Baker said in the release. "It brings together leadership, teaching, and service in a way that fits this season of my life, while leaving Goodwill Tenneva strong, stable, and people-centered." Day-to-day operations, programs and services will continue without interruption, the release states. Goodwill Industries of Tenneva Area currently serves 17 counties and two cities in the territory of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. "Goodwill Tenneva is strong, focused, and mission-driven," Josh Fuller, board member and chair of the CEO Search Committee, said in the release. "The Board is not looking to change the strategic direction of the organization. We are incredibly proud of the leadership team and the work they've accomplished together, and we are committed to a thoughtful local and nationwide search as we identify the next leader to carry this important work forward."