New York, NY – August 7, 2025 –

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Goodwill NYNJ) is proud to announce two key additions to its executive leadership team, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to growth, innovation, and its mission of creating sustainable opportunities for all.

Samantha Rich Promoted to Executive Vice President of Donated Goods Retail

After a comprehensive national search, Goodwill NYNJ has promoted Samantha Rich to Executive Vice President of Donated Goods Retail (DGR). Sam has led the DGR division as Senior Vice President for the past seven years, where she has strengthened store performance, built a trusted and effective team, and consistently delivered operational results. Under her leadership, the organization’s 29 stores and donation centers have grown into a $50M retail operation.

With more than 30 years of retail experience — including roles at J.Crew, Burberry, Club Monaco, and AllSaints — Sam brings deep industry knowledge and steady leadership. In her new role, she will focus on elevating Goodwill’s retail strategy, improving sales per square foot across the portfolio, and guiding high-potential locations like Livingston toward the $3 million revenue mark.

“I’m honored to serve as Executive Vice President of Retail at Goodwill NYNJ — an organization that has shaped my journey as a leader and inspired my commitment to mission-driven work,” said Rich. “In this role, I’m focused on elevating our retail strategy, empowering our teams, and unlocking new pathways to expand our impact. Together, we will reimagine retail to drive mission-forward growth.”

Siera Smith Vargas Joins as EVP of Business Transformation

Goodwill NYNJ also welcomes Siera Smith Vargas as its inaugural Executive Vice President of Business Transformation. Siera most recently served as President of Upright Labs and Neatoscan—two leading commerce software and services platforms used widely in the resale space, both acquired by a private equity firm in 2022 and 2023. She led teams in operational strategy, digital innovation, and process improvement, helping hundreds of secondhand clients maximize commerce revenues in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

In this newly created role, Siera will join the leadership team to align business processes, enhance operational excellence, and lead data-driven innovation efforts. Her first area of focus will be optimizing Goodwill NYNJ’s warehouse, transportation, and logistics operations.

“Goodwill’s mission has always inspired me,” said Vargas. “I believe in the power of reinvention — of both goods and people — and I’m passionate about harnessing data and innovation to strengthen our operations. I’m especially eager to roll up my sleeves on warehouse, logistics, and transportation improvements that will amplify Goodwill NYNJ’s impact.”

“These two leaders reflect our core value of ‘no talent left behind,’” said Katy Gaul-Stigge, President & CEO of Goodwill NYNJ. “Samantha has grown within Goodwill NYNJ and has innovated in store floor expansions, partnerships in reuse, and built her teams. Siera’s national experience with resale and thrift e-commerce brings a bold, fresh perspective that will help us scale and modernize our operation to put every donation to work. Together, they will strengthen our ability to deliver on our mission and drive this Goodwill to grow our market share and increase impact.”

For more information about Goodwill NYNJ’s mission and leadership team, visit www.goodwillnynj.org.

For press inquiries, contact Helen Murphy at hmurphy@goodwillny.org.