The organization has appointed new community leaders to strengthen its commitment to workforce development and economic mobility.  

Goodwill of North Georgia, the leading Goodwill organization for connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, is excited to announce the addition of three new board members. These members were recruited in partnership with Korn Ferry and commenced their service on the Board of Directors on July 1, 2023. Their unique perspectives and expertise will contribute to furthering the organization’s mission of putting people to work. 

The new board members, elected for a 3-year term, include:  

Mark R. Hoffman, CEO, Lanier Asset Management 

Mark is a co-founder of Lanier Asset Management and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. By founding Lanier, Mark believed that he could build a wealth management firm that truly put clients’ interests first – offering a fee-based, objective suite of services to affluent families that delivers superior performance while at the same time reduces risk.  

Prior to founding Lanier, Mark was a partner at The Boston Consulting Group where he developed long-term client relationships with senior executives at Fortune 500 companies. Mark is an honors graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Economics and holds an MBA from The Harvard Business School. He and his wife, Beth, enjoy tennis and traveling with their three children, Meg, Scott, and Matt.  

“I am honored to rejoin the Boards of Goodwill and Goodwill Industries of North Georgia. I look forward to supporting the fantastic team at Goodwill to further its mission of Putting People to Work.” 

Joyce Reto, Managing Partner, Assurance RSM US LLP 

Joyce is the Atlanta Office Managing Partner and an assurance partner at RSM, with over 30 years of public accounting experience. She focuses on audit engagements primarily for clients in the retail and consumer products industries. Joyce has served large not-for-profit engagements, including colleges and universities, social service organizations, museums, religious organizations, continuing care facilities, real estate partnerships, foundations, and various country clubs, with example clients such as Duke University, Davidson College, and Goodwill Industries. 

From 2013-2016, Joyce served as the CFO of a multi-billion dollar privately held grocery chain in the Southeast, providing her with extensive experience in developing long-term financial strategy, forecasting, budgeting, selecting, and implementing an ERP system, as well as experience with acquisitions, real estate, incentive plans, benefits and benefit plans, investments, treasury, and capital planning. She provides clients with advice and guidance on business strategy, corporate governance, acquisitions, recapitalizations, risk management, and various other business matters.  

“I appreciate how Goodwill collects donated items, sells them in their retail stores, and uses the earnings to fulfill their mission to put people to work. All three aspects of their operation are truly inspirational to me.” 

Ryan Wilson, co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot 

Ryan Wilson is the co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, widely recognized for redefining the art of networking. His unconventional approach has transformed The Gathering Spot into a hub for collaboration, connections, and experiences, attracting creatives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. Under Ryan’s leadership, the club expanded to Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, and subsequently established membership communities in New York City, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, and Chicago. 

In 2022, The Gathering Spot was acquired by a fintech company in a deal regarded as one of the most influential of the year. Then, in late 2023, Ryan and his co-founder reacquired the club, showcasing their unwavering commitment to its mission. Ryan’s achievements have been widely acknowledged, ranging from being named Small Businessperson of the Year to being recognized as one of the country’s most influential African Americans. Actively involved in various Atlanta civic and community organizations, Ryan also serves on the Boards of several impactful organizations. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Law Center and resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family. 

“I see my role on the Goodwill of North Georgia’s board as an extension of my lifelong dedication to community building and creating inclusive opportunities. Throughout my career, I have focused on developing spaces that encourage collaboration and support for diverse communities. Serving on the Goodwill Board will enable me to contribute to an organization that shares my passion for empowering individuals and creating positive social impact.” 

In addition, Keith T. Parker, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill of North Georgia, announces the election of Goodwill’s Fiscal 2025 Board Officers. Board officers include:  

  • Ms. Erica Qualls-Battey (Chair) – Area General Manager, Marriott International 
  • Ms. Ellen Stern, (Vice Chair) – Senior Vice President, CBRE | Office Tenant Representation 
  • Mr. Ed Ferguson (Treasurer) – Branch Manager | Managing Director, STIFEL Investment Services  
  • Ms. Winnifer Thomas-Cox (Secretary) – Managing Director, Accenture Song 
  • Dr. Kofi Smith (Immediate Past Chair) – President and CEO, Keystone Management, LLC 

Goodwill of North Georgia serves a 45-county territory with 100+ stores and donation centers. The organization also operates 14 career centers to support job training and placement services offered free of charge to tens of thousands of North Georgia job seekers. In fiscal year 2024, Goodwill of North Georgia was recognized as the number one Goodwill in the nation when it comes to people employed, helping more than 21,000 North Georgians get connected with jobs. Through the career centers and training programs, Goodwill serves veterans, people with disabilities, youth, single parents, the under-employed, people who are unhoused, people with justice involvement, and anyone else looking for work. To learn more about Goodwill of North Georgia’s career services and job training programs, please visit goodwillng.org.