Goodwill of Central Illinois and Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana Announce Merger
GOODWILL OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND GOODWILL OF CENTRAL & SOUTHERN INDIANA TO MERGE
Two nonprofit organizations combine to increase mission impact
Peoria, IL – June 10, 2025 – Peoria, Illinois based Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana based Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana agree to merge. The combined not-for-profit Goodwill will serve 21 counties in central Illinois and 40 counties in central and southern Indiana and tens of thousands of individuals through health, education, housing and employment programs,
“The opportunity to combine Goodwills is an opportunity that doesn’t present itself very often but when they do, as we experienced with Southern Indiana, the resulting impact in the community is exponential. We are excited and thrilled to partner to increase our mission impact,” said Kent Kramer, president and CEO, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.
The merger resulted from conversations between the two Goodwills CEOs focused on the desire to increase mission impact and serve as many individuals and families as possible.
“During our conversations, it became clear that to reach our stated mission, a partnership would increase our collective resources and provide the best opportunity to expand our reach and meet the needs of those we employ and serve,” said Don E. Johnson, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.
“Our board is excited by the opportunities this merger presents to grow the important mission of Goodwill,’ said Anthony Warren, board chair, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “Our combined resources across two neighboring states can serve our most vulnerable community members much more efficiently,” added Mark Hoffmire, board chair, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.
Central Illinois CEO, Don E. Johnson plans to retire, effective August 2025. Johnson will remain connected to the organization and assist with the transition as a consultant.
There are more than 150 independent Goodwill organizations in North America, with service territories defined by Goodwill Industries International. The merger of these two Goodwill organizations has been approved by their respective boards of directors.
Both Kramer and Johnson are excited to begin collaborating and building an organization that values each individual and works to provide employment, health and educational opportunities to increase self-sufficiency.
About Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois
Goodwill of Central Illinois helps communities prosper by transforming donations into life and job skills training and employment services. The organization offers employment services, veterans’ support services, a youth mentoring program, and operates a 15-room veterans’ home. For more information, visit www.goodwillpeo.org.
About Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana changes lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential through education, health and employment. The organization serves 40 Indiana counties and operates more than 75 retail locations, as well as contract manufacturing services, charter schools for adults and youth, a maternal-child health program, a child care center and more. For more information, visit goodwillindy.org.