Michele Diltz – Occupational Safety & Compliance Manager

Michele Diltz is the Occupational Safety and Compliance Manager who began her journey with Goodwill South Central California in January of 2017. Prior to joining Goodwill, Michele worked at Trans-West Security as a safety specialist where she earned certificates as a floor warden and PASSPORT safety training. Michele earned her Bachelors of Science in Health Science – Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety Option from Fresno State. Michele lives by the motto “you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Michele enjoys spending her time with family and friends as well as traveling and creating as many memories as possible. Her most memorable trips are skydiving, bungee jumping, and hot air balloon rides as well as occasionally scuba diving in the tropics.

Nichol Thomas – Director of Mission Services

Nichol Thomas is the Director of Mission Services for Goodwill. She was born and raised in Bakersfield and graduated from West High School in 2004. Nichol has focused her work in not-for-profit management, joining Goodwill in January of 2013 as a Job Developer and Career Counselor, becoming Director of Mission Services in July of 2015. Prior to joining Goodwill, Nichol was Program Coordinator and Business Developer with PathPoint.

Nichol holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History, both from California State University, Bakersfield. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bakersfield program.

Life motto: “Success is a journey, not a destination.”

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a paleontologist because I was fascinated by dinosaurs.”

Surprise info: Nichol is a huge fan of The Beatles.

Sherry Peters – Director of Human Resources

Sherry Peters has been with Goodwill since August of 2011 and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources. Prior to joining Goodwill, Sherry gained experience working for Wackenhut Corrections in the Federal Prison system and has 15 years of experience in the human resources field.

Sherry holds an AA in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and Certificates in Human Resources Management and Workers’ Compensation Management from Cal State University, Bakersfield.

Favorite quote: “I raised three boys on the foundation of the quote below and they are all fine young men. I’m definitely proud of ‘My Three Sons.’ Do you remember the television show? Eleanor Roosevelt said, ‘One’s philosophy is not best expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.’”

Favorite thing to do: “My favorite thing to do is travel in my RV, traveling the United States. I hope to visit every state.”

Defining success: “I define success by applying my heart, mind, and soul into everything I do.”