Dan Varner is president and CEO for Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, whose mission is to co-create independence and dignity through the power of personal and workforce development. In addition to its training and educational programs, Goodwill Detroit also operates four social enterprises: Goodwill Automotive (a Tier 1 automotive supplier), Goodwill’s Green Works (an industrial recycling subsidiary), its iconic resale stores, and a contract labor operation.
Varner previously served as CEO for Excellent Schools Detroit and is the co-founder and former CEO of Think Detroit, which he led through a merger with Detroit PAL to create the largest provider of youth sports programs in Detroit.
Varner’s work has been recognized by two presidential administrations. He is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and serves on numerous boards, including Capital Impact Partners, American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, and Detroit PAL. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Michigan Law School.