Cincinnati, Ohio — April 27, 2026 — Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) announces that Executive Director Sally Grimes will step down effective April 30, 2026, following nearly a decade of dedicated service to the organization and the students it supports.
Since joining ABC in 2017, Grimes has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s mission and advancing its work to support student success across Cincinnati Public Schools. During her tenure, she guided ABC through significant periods of growth and transformation, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while sustaining support for students and schools. Under her leadership, ABC also achieved the distinction of becoming the first foundation dedicated to supporting the district.
“I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together,” said Grimes. “With the unwavering support of our board, staff, and community, we have laid a strong foundation for the future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and am confident in its continued growth and impact in the years ahead.”
“Sally’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping ABC over the past decade,” said Charley Frank, President of the ABC Board of Directors. “Her commitment to students, educators, and the broader community has left a lasting legacy. On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest gratitude for her service and wish her continued success in her next chapter.”
To ensure continuity during this transition, the ABC Board of Directors has appointed Rachel Stallings, current Deputy Director, to serve as Interim Executive Director effective May 1, 2026. Stallings has played a critical role in advancing key organizational initiatives and strengthening cross-sector partnerships in support of the organization’s mission.
“I look forward to working closely with our board, staff, and partners at Cincinnati Public Schools to strengthen alignment, and continue delivering meaningful outcomes for students,” said Stallings. In her interim role, Stallings will provide steady leadership, guiding staff and ongoing initiatives that support students and schools across the CPS District. Her deep institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment position her to lead effectively during this transition period.
The organization will initiate a formal search process for its next Executive Director in the coming weeks. During this transition, ABC remains focused on advancing its mission and long-term strategy, including continued progress toward the future launch of KidFuture CPS, a strategic evolution of the organization’s identity that reflects its growing role in aligning community investment with student success across the Cincinnati Public School District.
