Goodwill Columbus is the sixth largest non-profit health and human service organization in Franklin County, with a $44 million annual operating budget and more than 1,300 employees. The leader behind this great organization is Marjory Pizzuti, President & CEO of Goodwill Columbus. Through Goodwill’s programs and services, Goodwill Columbus transforms the lives of individuals with disabilities and other barriers through pathways to independence and the power of work.
A life changing experience on May 4, 1970 was when Margie knew she wanted to serve others. That date is the day of the Kent State campus shootings and Margie was a student covering the events for the university newspaper, as a journalism major. “It was a pivotal point for me…. a catalyst for my ongoing engagement in public policy, community, and government service and a lasting lesson of how fragile our lives are each and every day.”
Margie’s most memorable hero is her mom, Mimi Millman, who taught her at an early age, the extraordinary value of giving back and paying forward through community service. “As an accomplished interior designer and avid painter, my mom owned an interior design studio in the early 60’s, before it was fashionable or acceptable for women to operate businesses. Through her actions and her deeds, she instilled in me the believe that I could do anything in my life, without limits.”
Margie has always considered herself a poster child for “the cup’s always half full, never half empty.” She often will share with people that she used to be an idealist, now she is just an optimist because the years have worn her down just a bit! “While my constant has been Columbus, my career has taken decidedly circuitous routes that have been paved by my fair share of serendipity… right place at the right time and monumentally supportive mentors, who have guided my way.”
Along with being President and CEO of Goodwill Columbus, Margie currently serves on the Upper Arlington Community Foundation Board of Directors, is a Board Member for OSU Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Program Board of Directors, and serves on the Board of the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries. Margie has also served on the Upper Arlington Board of Education, the Goodwill Industries International Board of Directors, and is an Immediate Past Chair for the Human Services Chamber of Franklin County Board of Directors.
Margie plans to continue to maintain and grow a robust range of social enterprise businesses and mission services to fund the important work of Goodwill Columbus – donated goods retail stores, janitorial and unarmed security, auto auction, e-commerce/online sales (both books and unique items), e-cycling and their inspiring art studio and gallery.
For more information on Goodwill Columbus, please visit: www.goodwillcolumbus.org.