Corrine Allen is retiring after 26 years at Goodwill of Orange County. Her journey has been extraordinary, and her impact will last for years.
Corrine grew up with a sister who became a paraplegic as a baby and spent a lot of time in hospitals. “I grew up around young adults with physical challenges and learned about the struggles they faced in the world. I’ve always been invested in their success,” Corrine shared.
Before working at Goodwill OC, she worked in retail for nearly 20 years. When she joined Goodwill OC in 1999 as a store manager, her passion for retail and making a difference quickly became evident. She was also able to combine her love for helping people with disabilities and the world of retail.
Over the years, she held various roles, including District Sales Manager, Retail Operations Manager, VP of Retail Operations, and most recently, Chief Operating Officer. Her strategic thinking and servant leadership elevated Goodwill OC’s retail operations.
Under Corrine’s leadership, Goodwill OC’s retail sales grew an impressive 113%, and she played a pivotal role in launching ShopGoodwill.com in 1999 — she even listed the very first item for sale!
Her most memorable moment was opening the Tustin Boutique store in 2013. “We had all the news channels covering the story, and the interest was extremely high. We had fabulous teamwork, and the wonderful, innovative designs were terrific – it set a record for new store openings,” she said.
Beyond her professional achievements, Corrine’s kindness, empathy, and genuine care for her team left an indelible mark on Goodwill OC. She mentored and advised many, encouraging creativity and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Her dedication to developing future leaders within Goodwill OC has been inspirational.
Corrine’s journey was deeply personal, driven by her desire to honor her sister Elizabeth’s legacy. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities never wavered, and her contributions changed thousands of lives in Orange County and beyond. Her leadership, vision, and compassion will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
“I will miss my friends and team members, but also the excitement that the challenge of every day brings. I am looking forward to spending time figuring out my next passion in life”, Corrine says.
Thank you, Corrine, for 26 years of unwavering dedication and for making Goodwill OC a better place. Best of luck in your well-deserved retirement!
