Goodwill Lead Career Coach Edward "James" CannonMeet Edward “James” Cannon

Throughout 24 years of military service, Edward James Cannon discovered his passion for teaching and helping others. “I taught for seven years and served as the Telecommunications Chief,” says Cannon. Now, retired from the U.S. Army, his love for teaching and helping others is put to use at Goodwill’s Decatur Career Center.

Cannon’s journey with Goodwill of North Georgia began in 2015 when he graduated from the GoodTransitions program. “My kids are what motivate me. I need to lead by example and support them,” Cannon explains. He was hired at Goodwill upon completion of the program, and a year after graduation, he was promoted to Lead Career Coach at the Decatur Career Center.

Everyone that visits the center is greeted with his cheerful smile and welcoming personality. Cannon says the people are his favorite part of working there. “Being a career coach means I get to help people. I know what they’re going through,” he says. His love for teaching continues as he has the opportunity to teach all of the classes the center offers. Whether he’s teaching Into to Microsoft Word or First Impressions classes, Cannon says the classroom is always filled and sometimes people ask if they can stay longer. “Goodwill helped me and now I get to pay it forward” says Cannon. “I see the mission at work every day.”