Reach Out and Read, the national organization that partners with pediatric clinicians to promote early literacy through well-child visits, has announced that Brian Gallagher will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after nearly 15 years of service to the organization.
“It is with a full and grateful heart that I share the news that after much consideration, I have decided it is the right time for me to step down as CEO. This was indeed a difficult decision to make, as it has been such an incredible honor to lead and to serve this amazing and impactful organization. However, I strongly believe that Reach Out and Read is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and success, and I am committed to working over the coming months to ensure a smooth and successful transition as I pass the torch on to my successor,” Brian wrote in a memo to the organization. Click here to read the full statement.
“With a steady hand and a clear vision, Brian has led Reach Out and Read through many important milestones and to an exciting point for the organization.” Curt Gray, Chair of the Board of Directors
“Brian stepped into the leadership role at a time of significant transition, and when the organization was at a key point of inflection,” said Curt Gray, Chair of the Board of Reach Out and Read. “With a steady hand and a clear vision, Brian has led Reach Out and Read through many important milestones and to an exciting point for the organization. We celebrate his many accomplishments and the dedication with which he has served our mission throughout his tenure.”
Brian joined Reach Out and Read in 2007 as the organization’s Director of National Expansion, overseeing a 30% growth of the program’s footprint in three years, as well as the establishment of several new initiatives. Brian’s role expanded in 2009 to the Director of National Programs, then became the Acting Executive Director in January 2014. Since then, he has built essential organizational capacity, established financial stability, increased national brand awareness, and overseen the launch of its current strategic plan.
Brian has expressed his intention to continue in the CEO role while the Board of Directors conducts a search to identify his successor. An announcement about the search is expected in early August.