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Mohsen Badran, president and CEO of Goodwill in Savannah, announced his resignation Wednesday to return to his family in New York City. In the nearly four years that he has been here, Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire has grown exponentially, serving almost 20,000 clients and placing more than 1,600 into gainful employment in 2013 alone.
“We appreciate the contributions and accomplishments Moshen has made to Goodwill,” said Ivy Council, president of Goodwill’s board. “We understand the sacrifices he has made by being away from his family, and wish him well with his future endeavors.”
When Badran took over at Goodwill, the nonprofit was serving 3,800 clients in its one Job Connection Center, placing approximately 300 of them in jobs each year. Today, in addition to more than quadrupling services and job placements, the organization now boasts 10 Job Connection Centers located throughout the 33 counties it serves.
Retail stores have grown from 12 to 19, the Broughton Street store was relocated and the Statesboro store expanded.
Badran credits the organization’s strong board of directors with trusting him to make the changes that were needed.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the board for allowing me to lead this great organization in such difficult economic times and implement an ambitious plan of growth and expansion to serve and assist thousands of people who needed help to move from dependency to independence,” he said.
The CEO came to Savannah from New York City, where he began his Goodwill career 25 years ago as an assistant store manager in Harlem. He was promoted to store manager, district manager and marketing director before being named vice president of industrial contracts.
He was later named senior vice president of New Jersey operations in addition to industrial contract services.
In December 2010, he was appointed to lead Goodwill of The Coastal Empire and was recently elected to join the board of directors of Goodwill Industries International.
Badran’s last day will be Sept. 26. He plans to return to New York City, where his wife and three children await. Future plans may include opportunities to run a private sector company in the New York area.
But, for now, family is his focus.
“It’s time,” he said, adding that long weekends every three or four weeks just weren’t enough anymore.
“I have teenagers,” he said, laughing.
He leaves Goodwill in capable hands, he said, adding he is very proud of the evolution of the organization over the past three and half years.
“This organization is strong and blessed with outstanding talent, poised for success and mission impact in the future,” he said. “However, I will continue take a strong interest in the well-being of Goodwill and will always be available to ensure a smooth transition.”
Nor is he worried that momentum will slow when he’s gone.
“Our board is very committed - they set the tone for our direction and have the mission at heart,” he said. “Also, we have wonderful support from the community - the United Way, Step-up Savannah, the city and corporate partners such as Wells Fargo and Gulfstream, just to name a few.
“We have a solid foundation fo
r growth.”
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire will bid farewell to Mohsen Badran with a special thank-you celebration at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at 7220 Sallie Mood Drive in Savannah.