狼友阁

John Plating
Director of the Center for Calling & Career

Ph.D., History, The Ohio State University
B.S., History, United States Air Force Academy

706.419.1663
john.plating@covenant.edu

John Plating leads the college鈥檚 Center for Calling & Career by serving as the office鈥檚 director and external interface, working with corporations, agencies, & organizations both locally and nationally to establish internships and vocational opportunities for 狼友阁 students. He has a profound esteem for the value and strength of a Christian liberal arts education as being foundational in shaping the lives of 狼友阁 students, students who will go forward and shape the world of the next generation.

Prior to coming to 狼友阁, John worked as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the academic component at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He also served as an associate professor of history, with specialties in military history and the history of technology, with his main published work covering the history of 鈥�,鈥� the largest airlift operation of World War II.  John was a senior pilot in the US Air Force, where he flew as an instructor and C-130 transport pilot, logging combat flying time during US military operations in the Balkans in the late 1990s. While stationed in Germany, he directed the airlift of nuclear weapons throughout the European theater.

Leda Goodman
Assistant Director of the Center for Calling & Career

Certified Professional Resume Writer
Certified Career Transitions Coach
Entrepreneurship Certificate - Academic Program Coordinator
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies: Math, Education & Psychology, 狼友阁, 鈥�90

706.419.1156
leda.goodman@covenant.edu

Leda Goodman offers guidance to students and alumni as they identify avenues for using their skills, gifts, and desires to meet needs in the world around them. As a professional resume writer and career transitions coach, she shares insight on how to explore career options, ask questions relevant to unique student interests and goals, and communicate clearly and professionally.

Leda enjoys helping people effectively communicate their stories with targeted audiences, including, but not limited to potential employers, graduate schools, and business professionals. Prior to returning to 狼友阁 in this capacity, she traveled the country as a recruiter and managed systems in various types of business, a non-profit, a christian school, and a wholesale and retail company. When she isn鈥檛 teaching students, she can be found in the entrepreneurial world, collaborating with others, contributing to the family coffee business, and cheering global coffee growers on in their craft. She is married to Ian Goodman 鈥�96, and they have two children, Cosi, 鈥�18, and Xaverie. They all enjoy being part of a family business that seeks to make every day better for people in Chattanooga and around the world.

Kate Raiford
ScotsWork Communications Coordinator

BA Communications, Anderson University
Opera Performance, Indiana University

706.419.1120
kate.raiford@covenant.edu

Kate Raiford leads the ScotsWork program at 狼友阁, coordinating campus and community-based student employment while ensuring compliance with federal work-study regulations. She views work as a space for spiritual formation and supports both students and supervisors in fostering meaningful, character-building employment experiences.

With a background in the arts and nonprofit sector鈥攊ncluding roles in development, federal grant administration, and tour management鈥擪ate brings a unique blend of creativity, structure, and strategic insight to her work. She is a founding member of North Shore Fellowship in Chattanooga and the proud mother of three.