We’ve got an amazing team which Rebecca Chandler Leege, our Chief Impact Officer since 2018, will lead as CEO (Interim). We’ve got an ultra-high-impact focus, getting children on the path to completing at least 25 books a year to help them reach their potential. And I’ll still be quite active, just from a different vantage point – I’ve already prepared the team to be surprised by how many emails a Board President can send.

That’s the first chapter of this news. Now here’s the plot twist. I’m not sailing off into the sunset. In fact, I’m taking a new job: as of April 17th, I’ll be assuming the role of CEO of Lyft, the awesome #2 (for now!) ride-share company. 

Surprised? I was too! But when I look back at my career at Microsoft, Amazon, and Worldreader and reflect on all I’ve learned about customers, competing, doing more with less, and leading with purpose, I think I’m the right person for the job.  Time will tell, but I can say that I’m honored and thrilled out of my mind.

As I transition out of my role as CEO, I’d ask three things of you:

– Please join me in supporting Rebecca in her new role. The easiest way is to make a gift  to help get more children reading. Now’s the time when your gift will have the biggest impact on the mission and our team.

– Read with your children or grandchildren. It’s the best way to help them reach their potential.

– Go out to dinner and take a Lyft!  (iOS version / Android version) Having dinner out is much more fun than staying in, and going by Lyft is a great way to reduce stress around driving and parking. I’ll do everything it takes to make it a great experience for you.

Thank you for all you’ve done over the years to get children reading. Your commitment has meant the world. Together we’ve made a huge difference helping children reach their potential.

Best,

David Risher

PS: Taking a page from my wife Jennifer’s book, I’d like to share something else: I’m directly donating  95% of my signing bonus to Worldreader to provide further strength to the organization and get more children reading. It made some lawyers’ heads explode, but they’re going to be fine!