Richmond Vincent graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in business administration. He served as the operations manager for Empire Southwest for a decade before becoming manager at a pharmaceutical benefits management company. He started his career in banking in 2005, working for organizations including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Compass Bank, and the National Bank of Arizona. In 2010, he stepped into the role of senior vice president of workforce development for the Goodwill of Central Arizona. He took on the position of President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi in 2017, and in 2021 became President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys in Roanoke, Virginia.

1. What is your favorite part of your role as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys?

I enjoy having the opportunity to challenge my team members and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone. That discomfort results in their growth. I take the same approach to our community. Just because something hasn't been done doesn't mean it can't be done. That's one of the reasons why we're engaged in this transformational project of bringing a grocery store, a bank, a wellness center, and an adult high school to Northwest Roanoke. Everyone said it couldn't be done, and I'm proud our organization was the one who could step up and get it accomplished. Challenging the status quo is what I enjoy most about this role.

2. What are some of the projects you have been involved in during your time at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys?

We offered a youth internship program that exposed youth to career occupations. Especially in this region, a lot of the youth don’t get the opportunity to learn about the emerging careers that exist. We had the opportunity to host the program and introduce youth to possible career paths. The second is this transformational project for a region that desperately needs it. There's a massive food desert here in Northwest Roanoke. The grocery store will eradicate that and will also bring family sustaining wage jobs to the market. The adult high school, called the Excel Center, will help those who do not have a GED or high school diploma – 14,000 individuals in Roanoke Valley alone – achieve their high school equivalency and acquire an industry recognized credential. The school will give them the opportunity to further their education and development at one of the community colleges or universities in the region.

3. What is your proudest accomplishment over the course of your career?

Seeing members of my executive team pursue their dreams and take on CEO positions throughout the country. I've been blessed to see several folks become CEOs at other organizations, and even now, we have multiple leaders who are primed and prepared to take on that opportunity if they so choose.

4. Can you talk about why a program like GO Virginia is important for community and economic development?

The work they're doing in this region is so critical. I'm excited the commonwealth took this regional approach. At Goodwill, although we're a nonprofit, we are a social enterprise whose business relies on donations provided to us by the folks in our community. If we can bring more business to this region and if we can bring higher wages, that means more opportunity for our organization as well. I have a vested interest in the success of this region, and GO Virginia gives us that extra push to grow the region to its fullest capacity.

5. What do you look forward to seeing GO Virginia Region 2 do more of in the future?

Providing a foundation to prepare the qualified workforce here and leveraging those that are here. Instead of having to pull talent from other states, we can employ our own workers because they're already prepared and ready for those emerging occupations we are pursuing through GO Virginia.

6. What is a book you read recently you would recommend?

I recommend Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. We're moving so much faster than we ever moved before, and this book can help communities and organizations prepare for change in the future.

7. What hobbies and activities do you like to do in your spare time?

My wife and I like to exercise. During the week, we are full-contact leaders, so we also rest a lot. She listens to music, and I watch football.