BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota is announcing two executive-level changes: Gray Videnka has been promoted to vice president of the Foundation and Marketing, and Tony Lapera is now vice president of Information Technology. The changes come as two former vice presidents have been recruited for leadership roles at Goodwill organizations in other communities. Videnka and Lapera have been promoted in recognition of their achievements supporting Goodwill’s social enterprise and commitment to the mission of Goodwill.
Videnka has more than 15 years of business strategy and leadership experience and has served in various roles for Goodwill Manasota during her tenure with the organization. She began at Goodwill assisting with the launch of the Community Ambassador program. Soon after, she was selected to lead the information technology team. Most recently, Gray led the project management department, where she completed numerous large-scale, cross-departmental projects.
As vice president of the Foundation and Marketing, Videnka will be responsible for raising the necessary funds to secure short and long-term mission funding, operating and capitals needs support, and to create sustainable mission-integrated social enterprise. She will oversee community outreach through the continued engagement of the Ambassadors program and special events, as well as the organization’s marketing, fundraising and finance team.
In addition to her work commitments, Videnka serves on the executive board of the Women’s Resource Center and is currently studying at The Kellogg School of Management’s EMBA program, graduating in December 2018. A Sarasota resident for more than 10 years, Videnka is married to Tim; they have two children.
Lapera, who brings nearly 30 years of IT experience to his new post, has been with Goodwill Manasota since November 2014, when he was hired as the director of Information Services. Prior to joining Goodwill, he did IT project management work in Washington State, overseeing the design, construction and implementation of the IT infrastructure and networking systems for a hospital and medical center.
In his new role, Lapera will be responsible for all information systems and related technology to help Goodwill achieve strategic organizational goals. He will lead, direct and coordinate information services, protect the integrity of Goodwill’s information assets and lead all cross-functional projects for the organization.
When not at work, he enjoys playing his 12-string guitar in local establishments, days at the beach, and golf with his wife, Tracy. He has two adult children who visit sunny Florida as often as possible.
“As a learning organization, we couldn’t be more thrilled about having developed two vice presidents who are now enjoying new opportunities within the Goodwill system,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO, Bob Rosinsky. “We are always working to build leadership bench strength; strategically speaking this was the perfect opportunity to elevate internal leadership who exemplify critical core values such as teamwork, continuous improvement, and stewardship. I am excited to see Gray and Tony continue to move our organization forward in the coming years.”
For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2017, Goodwill Manasota served 11,672 people, placed 555 people in jobs, assisted 360 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce, and provided 19,540 hours of on-the-clock training for its employees. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 41 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.