JENNIFER LAKE
Pittsford
Summary
Accomplished and results-oriented CEO with expertise in spearheading strategic initiatives, driving operational transformations, and accelerating business growth across multiple sectors. Visionary leader with over a decade of experience, successfully building and leading high-performing teams, executing complex business strategies, and overseeing diverse operations in manufacturing, contact centers, donated goods retail, education, and food service. Skills lie in delivering mission-driven outcomes through innovative leadership, achieving financial sustainability, scaling operations, and fostering employee engagement. Successfully led a $50M not-for-profit organization, positively impacting over 100,000 individuals annually. Strong focus on sustainability and committed to driving positive change and creating lasting impact within organizations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
01.2020 - Current
- Lead a $50M not-for-profit organization serving 20 counties across New York State, with over 700 employees
- Oversee operations across Manufacturing, Contact Center, Donated Goods Retail, Education, and Food Services supporting mission-driven programs
- Manage mission-driven programs including crisis services (211/Lifeline/988), Vision Services, the Good Neighbor Program, and the Goodwill Learning Academy, collectively serving over 100,000 individuals annually
- Implement strategies driving operational efficiency, expanding mission impact, and achieving sustainable business growth.
Vice President of Donated Goods Retail
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
12.2017 - 09.2019
- Revamped operational models, improving mission margin by 6%, or $710k, within the first 10 months
- Enhanced retention rates and developed a high-performing management team that contributed to organizational growth
- Spearheaded initiatives to optimize sales processes, resulting in improved daily production goals
- Supported workforce development by hiring individuals with barriers, aligning talent with mission objectives.
Vice President of People Resources (Human Resources)
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
06.2010 - 09.2019
- Led talent management, compensation, benefits, compliance, and payroll functions while managing a $600k budget and a team of seven
- Directed strategic planning and succession management as a Senior Leadership Team member and Board liaison
- Achieved $400k in savings through retail design while boosting revenue by 20%, implementing a labor model that aligned resources with demand
- Developed a comprehensive benefits strategy that reduced costs and improved employee wellness, earning recognition as a two-time RBJ Wealth of Health Recipient
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, serving as a representative on the Workforce Diversity Network and implemented targeted programs
- Re-engineered recruitment and retention strategies, significantly reducing turnover in retail operations.
Education
Masters - Organizational Learning & Human Resource Development Leadership Award Recipient -
St. John Fisher College
Bachelors – Political Science - undefined
St. John Fisher College
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Communication
- EI & EQ
- Strategy and Business Acumen
- Financial Leadership
- Policy & Regulatory Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Operations Management
- Stakeholdanceer Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Profitability Optimization
- Risk Mitigation
Certification
- Executive Development Program Graduate, Goodwill Industries International | 2017
- Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), HRCI Institute | 2010-Present
- Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP), SHRM | 2014-Present
- Leadership Coaching Certification Program, University of Rochester, Warner School | 2014
- Associate Faculty, Leadership Coaching Certificate Program | 2016-2017
Affiliations
- Executive Committee, Board Member, Rochester Broadway Theater League | 2021-Present
- Steering Committee Member, Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative | 2023-Present
- Board Chair (2022-Present), Bivona Child Advocacy Center | 2017-Present
- Session Elder, First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford | 2021-Present, 2014-2019, 2012
- Nominating Chair, TogetherNow (Systems Integration Project) | 2023-Present
- Board Member, Empire State Employment Resources for the Blind
- Mentor, National HR Association Rochester Mentoring Program (Advisory Board) | 2011-2022
- National President, National HR Association | 2017-2018
- Board Member, National HR Association, Rochester Chapter | 2008-12, 2016-2021
Awardsrecognitions
- Executive of the Year – PRSA | 2024
- Women of Excellence – Rochester Business Journal | 2022
- 40 Under 40 Award Recipient | 2016
- Andrew Heiskell Memorial Award Nominee, Outstanding Community Service | 2005
Timeline
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
01.2020 - Current
Vice President of Donated Goods Retail
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
12.2017 - 09.2019
Vice President of People Resources (Human Resources)
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
06.2010 - 09.2019
Masters - Organizational Learning & Human Resource Development Leadership Award Recipient -
St. John Fisher College
Bachelors – Political Science - undefined
St. John Fisher College