CRAIG SMITH
As President and CEO of Goodwill Southern California (GSC), Craig Smith, is responsible for leading more than 2,300 staff members, at the 4th largest Goodwill in the world. Smith joined GSC in 2004 as the Vice President of Retail Operations. His immediate and significant impact on the organization’s strategic goals and retail revenues catapulted him to the COO post which he held for nearly six years before the Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint him to CEO in 2012. Smith has lead the organization in realizing an increase of 70.6% in retail sales and opened 22 new stores since 2005, grown the Secure Shredding and E-Recycling business lines directly serving individuals with disabilities, and developed an organization-wide sustainability program, all of which enabled the organization to serve 107,000 individuals with disabilities and vocational disadvantages in 2012.
Before joining GSC, Smith spent 33 years with the Walt Disney Company where he held a number of management positions including Director of Theme Park Operations for Disneyland Resort. In this capacity he managed all attractions, food, merchandise and park operations, which grossed more than $500 Million in revenue at that time. He was instrumental in the tactical planning and opening of Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Disneyland’s California Adventure Park. Smith is also experienced in Human Resources, Diversity and Operational Planning.
“Every day I am honored to serve individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages, as well as the businesses and communities of Southern California. This is an outstanding organization focused on providing a path to greater independence, and together with our dedicated staff and board members, we will continue to raise the bar and increase the standard of living for those in need,” said Smith.
Smith graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
