Goodwill of Greater Detroit Adds New Vice President of Behavioral Health

Kara Hicks continues Goodwill’s mission under new role effective June 30, 2025

DETROIT (June 25, 2025) – Goodwill of Greater Detroit (Goodwill) announced today the promotion of Kara Hicks from director of psychosocial rehabilitation to vice
president of behavioral health, effective June 30, 2025.

Hicks will oversee all behavioral health services delivered by Goodwill, ensuring individuals living with severe mental illnesses and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities in metro Detroit receive access to personal and professional development opportunities.

“For nearly 30 years, Kara has embodied the Goodwill mission through her unwavering commitment to creating and fostering safe, supportive environments that empower some of metro Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Dan Varner, president and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Detroit. “Her ability to effectively manage program development along with her proficient compliance to strict accreditation standards makes Kara the perfect fit to lead Goodwill’s behavioral health services and continue to ensure the individuals we serve are empowered and engaged in gaining transferable skills that increase independence.”

Hicks first joined Goodwill in 1998 as a vocational technician supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. The program for those with mental illness subsequently became A Place of Our Own Clubhouse, a membership program that provides psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals living with mental illness with a focus on building transferable skills that support greater independence.

Hicks has played a critical role in the growth and development of Clubhouse during the past 25 years, most recently increasing Clubhouse membership by 45% between 2000 and 2025. She also formed and continuously fostered collaborative relationships with more than 25 Wayne County Mental Health Agencies that has resulted in increased referral sources by 75%, and effectively secured grants and donations from DHHS, Domino’s, Barton Malow and Lowe’s among others.

While driving milestone moments for A Place of Our Own Clubhouse, Hicks also furthered her own education, receiving a Bachelor of Psychology from Siena Heights University and a Master of Social Work from Spring Arbor University.

Hicks’ new role was created as part of the succession plan for Felicia Hunter, Goodwill’s executive vice president and chief mission officer, who is retiring later this year after more than 45 years of service.