Catherine Meloy has a big heart. She has an even bigger understanding of business. A born leader, Catherine is preter-naturally optimistic, skilled in management and conscious of how a little good will goes a long way. A long-time resident of Washing-ton, d.C., she is dedicated to improving her community, one person at a time. Thank-fully, she’s in a position to do just that.As President and Ceo of the Goodwill of Greater Washington, Catherine is respon-sible for overseeing the entire organization. That includes addressing their mission through training and employment programs, as well as through their retail stores, govern-ment contracts, financial funding and devel-opment. it’s a job that’s as demanding as it is rewarding, as there are a lot of responsibilities that directly impact the community.  “i have the luxury of running an organi-zation that funds a socially responsible and critical mission, which greatly benefits our region,” said meloy. “There is a constant entrepreneurial aspect to my job, especially when it comes to strategically planning and developing new means of financial avenues within the organization to grow the mission of Goodwill.”Since 1902, Goodwill’s mission has been to help people help themselves by giv-ing them the tools and skills they need to become self-sufficient and independent. The goal is to provide job training and placement services to people with disadvantages and disabilities. under Catherine’s leadership, the Goodwill of Greater Washington provided services to 3,000 people in 2008. That’s an astounding number that speaks volumes on the organization’s impact, especially during these tumultuous economic times.“i do feel that we change the lives of area residents, and the statistics show the impact of our staff on the community. our mission is more critical now than it has been in the past 80 years,” said meloy. “i’m happy to play a role in making my community a better place to live.”in charge of one of the region’s most important organizations, Catherine has acquired a knack for giving back. But she didn’t always have an outlet for her philanthropy. Before she arrived at Goodwill in September 2003, Catherine had an illustrious career in the radio industry. She was the Senior Vice President of Sales at Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and had been the General manager of WASh-fm and WBiG, BiG 100. Catherine held a similar title at WGmS 103.5, Washington’s classical station, from 1990 through 1997. A leader in her industry, Catherine played an integral role in local communications businesses and radio stations. in honor of her accomplishments, she was given the “Leader of the year award”  by the Greater Washington Board of Trade in 2000, and in 2001,  and was honored by Washingtonian Magazine as “Washingtonian of the year.” While she enjoyed the success, she felt a calling for a higher purpose. She desired a job that was more personally rewarding; one that would let her help those less fortunate. She found that job at Goodwill.“Working at Goodwill has humbled me in ways i never thought possible,” said meloy. “i especially enjoy working with extremely talented and passionate people who create an environment of success for the people we serve. i couldn’t be happier!”Six years after taking her job at the Goodwill of Greater Washington, Cath-erine has experienced a lifetime of memo-ries. She has seen pride blossom at janito-rial services graduation ceremonies, helped secure a construction job for a man fresh out of prison and watched as more and more people donated their services and products for a great cause. She has come a long way from her days managing the radio waves, and it’s safe to say she’ll con-tinue making waves of another sort.“i sleep well at night knowing that, thanks to Goodwill, more people are now able to support their families, while also experiencing the hope, dignity and inde-pendence that comes from work,” said meloy. “i’m blessed to play a part in it.”Want to help Goodwill? An investment in Goodwill equates to an investment in your community. Give back by donating cash gifts, household products, computers and vehicles. Or, simply volunteer at Goodwill, shop in their retail store or hire their graduates. For more information, visit www.dcgoodwill.org.