“In a strategic move to accelerate its mission of closing the literacy gap, Reading Partners has named Edwin Goutier as its inaugural Chief Innovation & Technology Officer. This appointment underscores the organization’s commitment to blending proven, research-based tutoring with cutting-edge innovation, data analytics, and technology to enhance educational outcomes for thousands of students nationwide.”
Literacy Nonprofit Signals Major Investment in Reading Innovation
Reading Partners, the national nonprofit powerhouse focused on early literacy, has taken a bold step forward by establishing and filling its first-ever Chief Innovation & Technology Officer (CITO) position. Effective January 12, 2026, Edwin Goutier steps into this newly created role to spearhead the organization’s long-term strategy for scaling impact through advanced innovation, robust data systems, and purposeful technology integration.
Goutier brings over a decade of deep experience at the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact. Most recently, he served as CEO of LaunchPath Innovation, recognized as the world’s first social innovation management platform tailored specifically for nonprofits. In that capacity, he drove the integration of generative AI features, empowering nonprofit teams to develop and refine community solutions more efficiently and effectively. Prior to that, Goutier held key leadership roles at United Way Worldwide, where he guided digital transformation efforts and innovation strategy to better address evolving community needs on a massive scale.
His philosophy centers on augmentation rather than replacement: technology should empower human connections, particularly in education, rather than supplant them. Goutier has emphasized that smart, mission-aligned systems can support tutors, educators, and families while deepening learning outcomes and enabling operational efficiency as the organization expands.
Under CEO Adeola Whitney’s leadership, Reading Partners has built a strong foundation in delivering high-dosage, individualized tutoring grounded in the science of reading. The program mobilizes community volunteers and AmeriCorps members to provide one-on-one instruction to elementary students in Title I schools who are reading significantly below grade level. With 25 years of operation, the organization has delivered more than 3 million tutoring sessions, helping over 87% of participating students meet or exceed growth goals in recent impact reports.
The creation of the CITO role represents a clear evolution for Reading Partners as it seeks to amplify its reach amid persistent national challenges in early literacy proficiency. By prioritizing innovation and technology, the nonprofit aims to enhance data-driven decision-making, refine program delivery, and explore new ways to extend its evidence-based models to more students and communities.
Key Leadership Transition Highlights
Role Creation : First dedicated Chief Innovation & Technology Officer position at Reading Partners.
Start Date : January 12, 2026.
Core Focus Areas : Long-term strategy for scaling impact via innovation, data systems, and technology.
Strategic Vision — Combine proven instructional models with thoughtful tech-enabled enhancements to serve students, tutors, and educators more effectively.
This appointment positions Reading Partners at the forefront of edtech-enabled nonprofit work, leveraging Goutier’s expertise to drive sustainable growth while staying true to its core emphasis on human-centered, community-powered literacy support.
Disclaimer: This is an independent news report based on publicly available information. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.
