Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has hired a new president and CEO – Nima Hodaei, 45, a former executive for Goodwill of Delaware who has a long history in retail leadership. He was selected after an extensive search process that determined he was the best fit who possessed all of the key characteristics for a leader of the organization. Hodaei replaced Bill Oakley, who retired after a 44-year career with Goodwill and eight years as CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.

Hodaei earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism from the University of Michigan and most recently served as vice president of donated goods retail for Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County. Prior to that, he was an executive for the discount chains National Stores, Inc., and Forman Mills, as well as Burlington Stores and Macy’s.

“What I love most about Goodwill is the chance to impact the community in a tangible way and to know that our team is changing lives,” Hodaei said to the Orlando Sentinel. “I take this challenge personally and head-on.”

Hodaei expressed that his top priority is expanding Goodwill’s employment programs across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard and Volusia counties. Hodaei is spending his time initially meeting with board members and key individuals in the community to orient himself to the local Central Florida communities that Goodwill serves.

“Nima brings a unique perspective with his extensive background from corporate America but with a foundation in service and communication,” said Michael Hsu, chairman of the Board of Directors at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. “We are looking to both address our breadth and depth of our current services to ensure we continue to grow value for the communities we serve.”