Who We Are

Lead to Read KC was launched in 2011 by Lynn and Jean Rundle. Both former teachers, Lynn and Jean mentored and tutored teens. They realized that many of these very intelligent kids couldn’t read fluently – and a few barely could spell. There had to be a way to help.

Lynn and Jean believed the problem wasn’t just that the kids weren’t reading; it also was that reading didn’t seem relevant to them. After months of research, plus consultation with school principals, teachers, community groups and community members, Lynn and Jean launched Lead to Read KC.  

Beginning with a handful of volunteers in several Kansas City-area schools, Lead to Read KC has diversified our program to serve our students and community in new ways. Our program now has four key areas of focus

  • Reading and Mentoring 
  • Tutoring 
  • Reading For Life Author Partnerships
  • Reading Is EverywhereSM Community Book Distribution Initiative 

Learn more about what we do.

We stand for inclusiveness, equity, and respect and against racism. We will speak up for equity and justice in schools. We operate with the utmost respect for our employees, volunteers and the communities we serve. Learn more

Lead to Read KC Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Eric Graham, TGP Investments – Chair
  • Carol Espinosa, Freedom Interiors – Vice Chair
  • Ben Bravence, UMB Bank – Treasurer
  • Ellen Pantaenius, Onspring Technologies – Secretary
  • David Lowe, Lockton Companies – Past Chair

Board Members

  • Sue Agrawal, Community Volunteer
  • Dr. Jennifer Collier, Kansas City Public Schools
  • Shawn Creger, Edward Jones
  • Holly Jenkins-Long, LISC of Greater Kansas City
  • Lynn Rundle, Board Member Emeritus
  • Mark Swanson, Burns & McDonnell
  • Scott Swezy, American Century Investments
  • Tony Temple, Temple Made Fitness
Lynn and Jean Rundle

Lynn and Jean Rundle
Co-founders of Lead to Read

Chelan David

Chelan David
Development Director
[email protected]

Matt Foster

Matt Foster
Business Manager
[email protected]

Linda Hughes

Linda Hughes
Program Manager, Community Outreach
[email protected]

Bev Leonard

Bev Leonard
Program Manager, Tutoring
[email protected]


Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett
Communications Manager
[email protected]

Hayley Rees

Hayley Rees
Volunteers Manager
[email protected]

Allison White

Allison White
Program Manager, Reading and Mentoring
[email protected]

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