Discover how Positively Partners led a strategic, inclusive nonprofit executive search that helped Reach Out and Read hire four transformational Executive Directors in one year, driving national growth and impact.
Meeting a National Hiring Challenge
Hiring four regional Executive Directors in a single year is no small undertaking, especially when each role is critical to advancing a national growth strategy.
At Reach Out and Read, these leadership hires were essential to the organization’s ambitious plan to reach 10 million children annually by 2030.
Leading the effort was Ruth Coleman, Senior Director of Growth, who recognized that finding the right leaders across multiple regions would be key to expanding programs, inspiring teams, strengthening community partnerships, and driving measurable impact nationwide.
To meet this challenge, Reach Out and Read partnered with Positively Partners, a trusted leader in nonprofit executive search, to design and execute a hiring process that is strategic, legally compliant, and tailored to the unique demands of each region.
Building a Clear and Cohesive Search Process
Running four simultaneous executive searches required discipline, clarity, and structure. Positively Partners collaborated with Reach Out and Read to create a transparent, step-by-step framework that balanced rigor with efficiency.
From defining core leadership competencies to mapping out decision-making protocols, every stage was intentional and aligned with Reach Out and Read’s national mission.
“Positively Partners gave us the structure to match that sense of purpose, helping us hear what each region needed while keeping our national vision in sight. With a clear and thoughtful process, we weren’t scrambling; we were deliberate.” – Ruth Coleman, Senior Director of Growth, Reach Out and Read National
Understanding the Role Beyond the Job Description
Though each Executive Director reported to the national office, the realities of their regions varied–different healthcare landscapes, community partnerships, and local needs.
Positively Partners took the time to understand these nuances, ensuring that role profiles reflected both local priorities and Reach Out and Read’s national growth goals.
“One of the things I appreciated most was the refreshing transparency and consistent communication. From the beginning, both Positively Partners and Reach Out and Read cared deeply. Not just about the role, but about the candidate experience. Clear timelines, open expectations, and intentional communication made me feel respected and excited to engage.” – Sia Magaden, Executive Director, Reach Out and Read Northern California
“Ready to Rise and Meet The Challenging Times”
Finding transformational leaders required casting a wider net than traditional nonprofit search channels.
Positively Partners led robust sourcing efforts, reaching across industries and geographies to identify candidates with proven executive leadership skills, a strong commitment to children’s health and literacy, and the adaptability to thrive in a rapidly growing national network.
“The candidate pool was incredibly strong and diverse–leaders from different sectors, regions, and backgrounds who all shared a commitment to children’s health and literacy…When I looked at the final candidate slate, I realized something inspiring: these were not just leaders who could do the job, they were leaders who embody the work itself. They represent the kind of steady, visionary, and deeply committed leadership that’s ready to rise to meet the challenging times” – Ruth Coleman, Senior Director of Growth, Reach Out and Read National
Why Organizations Choose Positively Partners for Executive Search
This case study highlights what sets our work apart:
- A recruitment process that’s designed to be robust, inclusive, and supportive of every candidate’s experience.
- Search strategies that are tailored to each organization – blending national reach with a strong understanding of local context.
- A track record of helping mission-driven organizations find the right leaders to grow their impact and take their work to the next level.
Are you ready to find the right leaders to drive your mission forward? Let’s talk!