Michael Winckler to Become CEO; Steve Lufburrow to Support Transition
HOUSTON—Dec. 11, 2023—Goodwill Industries of Houston today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Michael Winckler, currently CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southeast Georgia, to the position of president and CEO, effective February 19, 2024. Steve Lufburrow, who has led Goodwill Houston as president and CEO since 1986 and announced his desire to retire earlier this year, will retire from his role as CEO at that time. Mr. Lufburrow will work closely with Mr. Winckler to support a seamless transition.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Steve for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Goodwill,” said Craig Nunez, chair of the Board. “Steve’s support was essential during the CEO selection process, and we look forward to benefitting from his wisdom and experience through the transition period. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a nationwide search that began in July after Steve announced his desire to retire. Michael has known and worked with Steve through the Goodwill network for years and is committed to continuing the standard of excellence that transformed Goodwill Houston into one of the leading Goodwill organizations in the world, growing from $9 million of revenues and 350 employees at the beginning of Steve’s tenure as CEO, to $135 million of revenues and 2,000 employees today. We owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors on the Board of Directors who selected Steve to succeed his father as CEO in 1986.”
“I am grateful to the Board and Steve for this opportunity to serve Goodwill Houston,” said Mr. Winckler. “I have been fortunate to serve with Steve on Goodwill’s international governing body and look forward to working with him to ensure a seamless transition.”
Mr. Lufburrow said, “It has been an honor and privilege to work with Goodwill Houston for 43 years, 37 of those as president and CEO. I have always loved the people of Goodwill and I am thankful for the support of all Houstonians and the friends in communities throughout the Houston area.”
About Michael Winckler
Mr. Winckler has held positions of increasing responsibility in the Goodwill network for 18 years, most recently as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southeast Georgia, and prior to that, as vice president of Goodwill Industries of Central and Coastal Virginia. Before entering the non-profit sector, he was an executive in the high-tech packaging industry.
An active volunteer leader with philanthropic and community organizations, Mr. Winckler has served on the Boards of Directors of Goodwill Industries International and the Boy Scouts of America Coastal Georgia Council. He is a member of the City of Savannah–Chatham Reentry Council, Savannah Rotary Club, and is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Savannah.
Mr. Winckler holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the prestigious Goodwill International Executive Development Program.
ABOUT GOODWILL HOUSTON:
Goodwill Houston improves the lives of individuals, families, and communities by providing education, training, and employment opportunities to all, while specializing in assisting people with disabilities, at-risk-youths, veterans, and those with other barriers to employment. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit proudly serving the citizens of eight Texas counties. Goodwill Houston strives to be the premiere resource for workforce development in greater Houston. Our operation is simple. People donate gently used clothing and household items to us, and we sell those items in our stores to fund job training programs and employment opportunities for all. Visit www.goodwillhouston.org for more information.
