Retired Navy captain takes helm at Goodwill Central Florida

Steve Nakagawa has been named Vice President of Mission Impact for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.

The appointment brings a veteran with over 30 years of leadership experience to the organization. Nakagawa is a retired U.S. Navy captain who has held senior roles in both military and civilian sectors. His most recent position was program director for Cenfluence, a Florida High Tech Corridor initiative. That group supports high-tech startups and regional industry growth. His work centered on workforce development and building partnerships to strengthen the local economy.

Nakagawa cited a focus on understanding community needs as the core of his approach. “Lasting community impact comes from understanding people’s needs and building the right partnerships to meet them,” he said. He expressed enthusiasm for the new role, noting a desire to open opportunities that expand access to resources for Central Floridians. He stated, “I look forward to this new mission with Goodwill, as we continue to open new opportunities that expand access to the resources Central Floridians need to thrive personally and professionally.”

His professional history includes several honors. In 2015, Orange County presented him with the Distinguished Asian American Award. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority awarded him the Colonel Joe Kittinger Award in 2024. In 2025, the Orlando Business Journal listed him among its “15 People to Know in Aerospace & Technology.”

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida encourages the public to visit www.GoodwillCFL.org for details on its Prosperity Platform and workforce development opportunities.