Deb’s commitment to Goodwill NCW’s mission goes beyond the four walls of the Tomah Store. She has been instrumental in helping advance our mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment in the Tomah area. She helped create a former program called Tomah L.I.F.E., which helped youth with disabilities build everyday life skills. She is also a key local leader in programs that provide on-the-job training within the Tomah Goodwill store to help youth with disabilities and veterans build skills that are key to gaining and maintaining employment. These programs empower individuals by helping them build essential job skills and gain confidence as they work toward their goals.

“I can’t think of a better example of a great Goodwill team member and leader. She is instrumental in our mission and really cares about the people she works with every day,” said Chris Hess, the president and CEO of Goodwill NCW.

Staying at a job for more than a few years is becoming somewhat rare these days, but that is exactly what Deb Cota-Farmer, Store Team Leader at Tomah Goodwill NCW, has done. This month she is celebrating a remarkable 40 years with the organization, something she attributes to knowing that the work she does truly makes a difference. “I go to work every day with a purpose. There’s meaning every day I go to work, and I go home with satisfaction,” said Deb.

“Deb is instrumental in our mission and really cares about the people she works with.”

Deb’s dedication to Goodwill NCW’s mission shines right through her work at the Tomah store. Over the past four decades, she has mentored countless leaders, finding joy in witnessing their growth. “As a leader, I like to see people develop,” she shares. Deb treasures the sense of camaraderie within the Tomah team, describing them as especially close-knit. “We work hard and we play hard. It’s part of being the team we are.”  

Earlier this month, Deb was recognized for her years of service and unwavering dedication to Goodwill NCW’s mission in a celebration attended by her coworkers and others, including President and CEO Chris Hess.

On a personal note, Deb met her husband while working at the Tomah Goodwill NCW. She jokes, “you never know what you will find at Goodwill!”
Congratulations on 40 years, Deb!