Ken Weber

Passion. That is why I do what I do.

It’s that passion down deep that drives me to want to make a difference. I have always believed that I am here for a purpose greater than myself — and Goodwill feels like that purpose.

As president and CEO, I may not get to touch mission directly every day, but I affect what we do and help impact thousands of lives each year. I enjoy the positive impact the Goodwill mission has on so many lives in our community. It is all about empowering people and helping them achieve competitive employment and independent living. As part of my job, I also have the opportunity to empower Goodwill employees, and that can be just as exciting.

It is fun and rewarding, and most employees are appreciative that I take the time to help them develop their leadership skills and abilities. I believe that a leader touches a heart before he touches a hand, and that is my goal. I know I couldn’t make a difference without the help of so many others, and at Goodwill I have found the right mix of people who truly believe in making a difference as well.

ABOUT KEN

Who: Ken Weber, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.

Education: Graduate of St. Lawrence Seminary, studied at Marion College. After beginning his career with Goodwill Industries, he was recommended for and graduated from the Goodwill Executive Training Program.

Community boards: President-elect, Canton Rotary Club; Canton Museum of Art; United Way’s COMPASS Committee; advisory board member for Walsh University; past president of Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries.

Other: Weber is the founding chairman of Leave a Legacy Stark County. He and his wife, Sally, have been married for 33 years and have five grown children.