Reach Out and Read CEO Search

Reach Out & Read launches CEO search

For 35 years, Reach Out and Read has harnessed the power of pediatric care to transform early childhood literacy, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—enters school with the critical foundation for success. As the only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this organization has embedded reading into healthcare practices, empowering parents to nurture their children’s growth through the simple, profound act of reading aloud.

Now, Reach Out and Read is searching for its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)—a strategic, results-driven leader ready to expand the organization’s impact, doubling its reach to serve 10 million children by 2030.

The Opportunity to Lead with Vision and Impact

As CEO, you will champion early childhood literacy at the intersection of healthcare, education, and equity, guiding the organization through an ambitious strategic plan that strengthens partnerships, expands programming, and ensures financial sustainability. With an annual budget of $30 million, a team of 100 professionals, and a network of 39,000 clinicians across 6,500 sites, Reach Out and Read is uniquely positioned to scale its mission while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to children and families.

This role calls for a leader with proven experience driving national-scale organizations, a commitment to equity and access, and the ability to mobilize stakeholders across philanthropy, healthcare, and policy. The ideal candidate will blend strategic foresight with operational excellence, inspiring teams and funders alike to propel the mission forward.

Why This Role Matters

✅ Expand Reach Out and Read’s footprint—leveraging its clinical network to embed literacy as a standard of care.

✅ Mobilize funding and partnerships to sustain and grow the organization’s impact.

✅ Champion equity in early childhood development, ensuring access for underserved communities.

✅ Drive policy and advocacy efforts to integrate literacy into public health frameworks.

This is more than an executive position—it is an opportunity to shape the national conversation on early childhood development and literacy.

In partnership with Positively Partners, we are proud to champion this search, ensuring Reach Out and Read finds the bold, visionary leader who will shape its next chapter and expand its transformative impact.

🔹 Learn more and apply

At MTB Leadership Labs, we believe in placing leaders where they can create generational impact. If this role speaks to you—or someone in your network—let’s connect.