Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative Announces New CEO

CHARLESTON , SC – The Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC) announces the appointment of John C. Read as Chief Executive Officer.

 “I am thrilled to announce that John Read has joined TCCC as CEO,” states TCCC Board Chair, Anita Zucker. “John has the breadth and depth of experience to galvanize our community to collectively strengthen the education and workforce development landscape in our region. John has had a long and successful career in business, government and not-for-profit service.”

 Read joins TCCC after serving as Chief Executive of SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global camp-based experiential learning network for children with serious illness founded by Paul Newman. For the 10 years prior to that role, Read was the Chief Executive of Outward Bound USA. In 2006, John was one the 15 nationally recognized non-profit leaders by Newsweek Magazine.

 As TCCC CEO, Read will facilitate the community-wide effort focused on dramatically improving the quality of life of our citizens through education. TCCC is based on the STRIVE collective impact model originated in Cincinnati, Ohio, to improve educational outcomes by aligning resources working toward common goals.

 “I’m honored to be part of this organization that is bringing education and community leaders together to drive coordinated action to promote success for every student in the tri-county region, “ said Read. “Meeting with all of the organizations already doing great work in this area will be one of my first priorities, and then we’ll work to evaluate the data and identify effective practices already working in our region.”

 Prior to serving as the leader of two non-profit organizations, Read held senior positions at the Federal and State level and was the Chief Executive of Commercial Vehicle Group Inc. (formerly Trim Systems Inc.)  He also held various leadership roles with other companies including Cummins Engine Company earlier in his career where he served as Plant Manager for the engine plant located in North Charleston. He and his wife Alex have three children and will be returning to the Charleston area over the summer.

“I’m confident John is the leader we need to help build this region’s future workforce making sure every child is supported in and out of school,” said Zucker.

About Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative

The Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC) is a community-wide effort in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, South Carolina focused on improving the quality of life of its citizens and its workforce through education by collectively aligning resources and working toward common goals.  Using data and focused community collaboration across a continuum from “cradle-to-career,” TCCC works to build and implement strategies that will facilitate widespread systemic change, with the ultimate goal of increased student success and economic prosperity for all.  TCCC is a registered not-for-profit organization in South Carolina. Over the next three years, while TCCC stands up its organization and goes through the process of applying for a 501c3 status, the College of Charleston is serving as its host organization.