LOUISVILLE, KY: Workwell Industries, a nonprofit which hires individuals with barriers to employment, is pleased to announce that Kenya Freeman has been named as President and Chief Executive Officer. Freeman’s appointment follows his stint as Interim President/CEO after the retirement of Phil Berry.
Freeman has more than 25 years of diverse operational experiences involving transportation and logistics, inventory control, order kitting, and fulfillment and distribution. He has served at Workwell since 2017 as director and general manager.
“Kenya is the right choice for leading Workwell into the future,” said Thomas Wobbe, Workwell’s chairman of the board. “His heart for our community and mission is strong, and his extensive experience prepares him to extraordinarily serve our staff and our clients.”
“I was born and raised in Louisville, so it is a dream come true to be the new leader of this community-based organization,” said Freeman. “For the last four years, being the director and general manager, Workwell has held a special place in my heart. Now, as Workwell’s president and CEO, I will continue with the same passion and energy that has contributed to our success so far.”
In his earlier role, Freeman led Workwell to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness through bringing industry-renowned organization systems to the nonprofit’s warehouse setup. Not only did this increase speed and quality for clients, but it also allowed Workwell’s staff to gain even more transferable job-training skills. Freeman embodies the mission of Workwell to assist those who have barriers to employment. Workers on the production floor say he always takes the time to encourage their strengths and provide opportunities for growth and development.
“It is very rewarding and humbling for me to have an occupation that has positive impacts within the lives of so many in this community,” said Freeman.
Before joining Workwell, Freeman had been responsible for operations at FedEx. He then worked in warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment in Louisville before coming to Workwell as Director of Operations (2017) and General Manager (2020). He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with honors from Sullivan University.
