Leadership News and Transitions

Dear On the Road Community,

With mixed emotions, we share that Emani Morse, one of our Co-CEOs, will be stepping down from her position on February 1st to pursue the next chapter in her career. Since joining On the Road in 2018 as the inaugural program coordinator at Thomas Harrison Middle School, Emani has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of Middle School Programs and Data, Director of Operations, and most recently, Co-CEO.

Prior to working for On the Road, Emani even served as a volunteer Community Teacher for our Sentara “Inside Healthcare” Career Enrichment class. Emani truly has done it all!

Emani Morse standing in front of a class with a student conducting a presentation
Emani Morse with a co worker smiling in front of a sparkly streamer background
Emani Morse standing in front of a class with a student conducting a presentation
Emani Morse with a co worker smiling in front of a sparkly streamer background

We could not be more grateful for Emani and her amazing contributions to the organization these past eight years. With her unwavering commitment to our mission and values, compassionate leadership style, and positive impact on countless youth and staff, Emani has deeply shaped who we are as an organization and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. While Emani will be dearly missed, please join us in thanking Emani for her incredible service and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors. If you’d like to send her any well wishes, you can reach her at: emani@ontheroadcollaborative.com.

Russell Leary portrait

After Emani’s departure, we are pleased to share that Russell Leary, our other Co-CEO, has agreed to serve as the interim CEO. During his tenure as Co-CEO alongside Emani, Russell has overseen record revenues for the organization, a highly successful 10 Year Anniversary campaign, and an expansion to Staunton City with the launch of a new program at Shelburne Middle School.

With Russell’s continued leadership alongside our amazing program leadership and staff, we are confident in the team’s ability to continue providing exceptional youth programming across our five sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

OTRC group image

The On the Road Board of Directors will begin a search for a permanent CEO to find our next mission-driven, people-centered leader to guide On the Road into its next chapter.

We’ll be posting the job opportunity next week and we’d love to have your help in finding our next leader by sharing with your networks, spreading the word on social media, and – if it feels like the right fit – considering applying.

Once we’ve found the right person to lead On the Road into this next chapter, Russell will step into a new role as Director of Development and Finance, continuing to lead our fundraising efforts ensuring we have the resources necessary to fulfill our mission.

Thank you for all the ways you show up for On the Road and for your continued support during this time of transition.

With gratitude,
The On the Road Board of Directors