Frank Harkins will retire this October after 50 years leading nonprofit organizations, including 46 years at Easter Seals Mobile and Goodwill Gulf Coast.

According to a news release, Harkins began his career at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind before becoming senior administrator of the Mobile chapter of Alabama Easter Seals in 1979. When Easter Seals merged with Goodwill Gulf Coast in 1999, he became president and CEO.

Under Harkins, Goodwill Gulf Coast expanded its services beyond vocational rehabilitation to include early childhood intervention, literacy and GED programs, youth support, autism evaluations and adult day programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Most programs are offered free to participants.

In a statement to the board and staff reflecting on his pending retirement, Harkins shared: “It has been the honor of my life to serve this organization and the people we support. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together and confident in the future of Goodwill Gulf Coast as it continues to grow and meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Per the release, the nonprofit now serves thousands annually across southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. In fiscal year 2024, 90 cents of every dollar spent went directly to programs and services.

“Frank’s vision and heart have been the cornerstone of our mission for nearly half a century,” said Board Chair Richard Wilkins. “His unwavering dedication and service has improved countless lives and helped build more supportive, inclusive communities. We are deeply grateful for his long-term leadership and legacy. His impact will continue to resonate through the outstanding non-profit organization he helped build and the many lives he touched over the years.”

Harkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama Birmingham. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and 12 grandchildren.