Goodwill of North Georgia Announces New Board Member and FY2027 Board Officers
The organization welcomes a visionary new leader and announces its incoming board officers as it enters its 101st year of service.
DECATUR, GA – Goodwill of North Georgia, the nation’s leading Goodwill in connecting jobseekers to meaningful employment, is proud to announce the appointment of a distinguished new member to its Board of Directors, along with the election of its Fiscal Year 2027 Board Officers. The incoming board member brings exceptional executive experience and a deep commitment to community impact, further strengthening Goodwill’s leadership as the organization enters its 101st year of service.
“I am exceedingly pleased to welcome such an accomplished new leader to our Board and look forward to the contributions she will make as we advance our mission and pursue our bold goals for the future,” said Keith T. Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia.
New Board Member, elected for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2026:
Grace Huang, President, Inventory Solutions, Cox Automotive
Grace Huang is President of Cox Automotive’s Inventory Solutions group, which includes Manheim, the nation’s largest wholesale vehicle marketplace, and a suite of digital solutions and vehicle services. In this role, Grace is evolving Manheim to transform the used vehicle marketplace into a seamless experience across digital and physical platforms, fueling leading digital channels with data-driven tools and strengthening Cox Automotive’s innovations in mobility, AI, vehicle imaging, and EV battery health.
Grace’s industry leadership and honors are extensive, including Northwood University’s 2022 Distinguished Women Award, Automotive News’ 2021 “All-Star in Remarketing” and “Notable Champion of Diversity,” Automotive News’ “100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry” in 2020 and 2025, and a “Women Who Mean Business” recognition from the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2019.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Grace is a committed community leader. She formerly chaired the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities board, where she launched a capital campaign and planned for a new Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. She also serves on the advisory council for Endeavor Southeastand was formerly on the board of trustees for The Walker School in Marietta, GA.
“Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how access to the right opportunities can transform not just individuals, but entire communities,” Grace said. “Goodwill of North Georgia embodies that belief every single day. I am deeply honored to serve on this board and to help advance a mission that creates real, lasting change for the people of North Georgia.”
FY2027 Board Officers:
Keith T. Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, is pleased to announce the election of the following Fiscal Year 2027 Board Officers:
• Ms. Ellen Stern (Chair) – Senior Vice President, CBRE | Office Tenant Representation
• Ms. Michelle Jackson (Vice Chair) – SVP, Capital Group
• Mr. James R. Summer III (Treasurer) – Managing Director, Ernst & Young
• Ms. Daffany Fajardo Murphy (Secretary) – Vice President of Human Resources, Enterprise Mobility
• Ms. Erica Qualls-Battey (Immediate Past Chair) – Area General Manager, Marriott International – Atlanta
• Dr. Kofi Smith (continuing as director for this fiscal year while also serving as Board Chair for Goodwill Industries International) – President and CEO, Keystone Management, LLC
About the Incoming Board Chair
Ellen Stern, incoming Board Chair, serves as Senior Vice President within CBRE’s Atlanta Advisory Services Occupier Group, delivering strategic real estate guidance to organizations ranging from Fortune 100 companies to leading law firms and high-growth enterprises. With 21 years of experience exclusively representing office tenants, Ms. Stern is known for her creative problem-solving, analytical rigor, and unwavering commitment to client outcomes. Over her tenure at CBRE, she has completed more than 1,000 lease transactions across metro Atlanta, throughout the United States, and internationally. Ms. Stern resides in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
About Goodwill of North Georgia
Goodwill of North Georgia is a nonprofit organization that has served the Atlanta metro area and surrounding communities for more than 100 years. Through free career coaching, job training, and employment placement services offered at 14 career centers across 45 counties, Goodwill connects individuals facing barriers to employment – including veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those experiencing housing instability to meaningful careers. For seven consecutive years, Goodwill of North Georgia has been recognized as the #1 Goodwill in the nation for placing jobseekers in meaningful employment. Goodwill of North Georgia partners with more than 5,000 employers, public agencies, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.goodwillng.org.