WICHITA, KAN. — The Goodwill Industries of Kansas Board of Directors has announced the hiring of Laura Ritterbush as the organization’s new
CEO and President. Ritterbush replaces Emily Compton who retired at the end of 2020. Dave Chadick, VP of Industrial Services has served as Interim CEO and President while a replacement was sought.
“Our board of directors performed a four month, nationwide, search for a new CEO for the agency. After many highly qualified interviews the board is pleased to announce the selection of Laura Ritterbush to fill this position. Laura’s background, talents and character qualities stood out as the type of individual and leader that the board desired to lead the agency,” said Rob Harmon, Board Chairman for Goodwill Industries of Kansas.
Ritterbush has spent most of her career with Goodwill, in roles at affiliates in Indiana, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri. She considers herself a results driven, strategic leader with an emphasis on workforce development, organizational planning and community relationship building. She graduated from Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program in 2020.
“I am eager to get started as the leader of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. All I’ve ever wanted to do is help people reach their potential. I was fortunate that early in my career I got to work with Goodwill Industries and recognized that Goodwill provides the multi-prong approach needed to support individuals with barriers to employment – work, training and education all while providing support services to break down barriers. I’ve been preparing myself since then for an opportunity just like this one. I am grateful to the board of directors for giving me this chance to lead and look forward to working with them, the team at Goodwill and our community partners to make great things happen for the people of Kansas,” said Ritterbush.
Ritterbush comes to the organization with a wealth of experience in mission services, fund development and legislative advocacy, most recently serving as Chief Mission Officer for Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas.
“Laura is a shining example of what can be achieved at Goodwill, through perseverance, dedication, passion, compassion, and grit. I cannot wait to see how she excels for the people of the great state of Kansas in her new role and with her new team, and in continuous collaboration with our organization on statewide initiatives,” said Edward Lada, CEO and President of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas.
She and her family will move to Wichita where she will assume the duties of CEO and President of Goodwill Industries of Kansas on March 1, 2021.
About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division.
In addition, adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. More than 1,400 individuals receive services through Goodwill each year. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks. For more information about Goodwill, visit goodwillks.org.
