The Story

Goodmans Interior Structures understands that nonprofits typically have limited resources and the goal of serving the organization’s mission comes first. Amenities like office improvements may never find their way into a budget, even if it means contending with inefficient workspace conditions and less than desirable physical arrangements.

The reality is that today’s successful nonprofit organizations must function a lot like for-profit business. In many ways, the concepts of openness, teamwork and the freedom to explore new opportunities and ideals have always been more prevalent in the offices of charitable organizations. Yet these workers, filled with such vibrant energy and passion for their mission, are often stuck with second-hand or leftover furniture and configurations.

That’s why Goodmans Interior Structures developed “Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy,” a unique program that focuses attention on nonprofit leadership here in the Valley. We’d like your help in identifying hard-working nonprofit Executive Directors or President/CEOs to be named our 2008 “Good Guys” in Phoenix and Tucson. We’ll honor the winners, one in each market, with a complete renovation of his or her office and feature the individuals on this site and in advertising and local media this fall.

In 2005, we awarded our first Good Guy, Ron Adelson, CEO of Aid to Adoption of Special Kids in Phoenix (Maricopa County, Arizona). In 2006, the Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy program was expanded to Albuquerque (Bernalillo County, New Mexico) and Tucson (Pima County, Arizona). During that year, Goodmans awarded Andrea Stouder, executive director of Teach for America in Phoenix; Libby Wright, director of The Giving Tree Outreach Program in Tucson; and Terry Huertaz, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Albuquerque.

The 2007 Good Guy in Phoenix was Linda Lyman, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk Foundation. Last year’s winner in Tucson was Liz McCusker, executive director of Tu Nidito Children and Family Services. Each Good Guy received a $20,000 office remodel. See before and after photos of each office. 

“Creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing work environment has a tremendous impact not only on retaining highly valued workers, but also increasing productivity,” said Adam Goodman, president of Goodmans Interior Structures. “This is an opportunity for an organization to reward its dedicated leader and also create a unique employment benefit that can help the nonprofit retain that leader.”

We know you already keep a “good eye” out for the work of these women and men who have dedicated considerable time and efforts to their charitable causes. Nominate your good guy or gal today!