Fox Valley Technical College is proud to welcome Chris Hess, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), as the Spring 2026 commencement speaker.
Since stepping into his role in 2018, Hess has led Goodwill NCW with a focus on expanding mission impact and strengthening its mission‑integrated donated goods retail model. Guided by Goodwill’s purpose of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment, the organization consistently ranks among the highest‑performing Goodwill organizations worldwide for lives impacted.
Today, Goodwill NCW serves 35 counties through 28 retail locations, reinvesting an average of 90 cents of every dollar earned back into its mission. The organization has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating and was recognized as a USA Today Top Workplace in 2025 and 2026.
Under Hess’ leadership, Goodwill NCW and Fox Valley Technical College also joined forces to create Career EXCELerate. Launched in 2022, the comprehensive career-training program helps individuals enter the workforce by building training pathways and eliminating barriers to employment. As of November of 2025, nearly 400 individuals have earned training certificates through Career EXCELerate.
Hess’s leadership has also been recognized beyond Goodwill. He has been named one of Wisconsin’s most influential Black leaders and received Gannett’s 2025 Top Leadership Award in the Northeast Wisconsin Large Business category. His board service includes leadership roles with Goodwill Industries International, SECURA Insurance, First Business Bank, and several regional economic development organizations.
Before joining Goodwill, Hess held leadership roles with ThedaCare, U.S. Venture, and Genco (FedEx Supply Chain). A Wisconsin native, he earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and lives in Appleton with his wife and two children.
FVTC is honored to welcome Hess this spring to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and share insights from a career dedicated to leadership, service, and opportunity.
