Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit that promotes early childhood literacy and healthy early relationships with caregivers, announced Laura Holms as the new executive director of Reach Out and Read Midwest. The nonprofit recently expanded into the Midwest to serve the 360,000 children under the age of 5 across Iowa and Nebraska, a news release said. Reach Out and Read has a national network of clinicians who share information about the importance of early childhood literacy and provide free books during pediatric well-child visits. In fiscal year 2024, Reach Out and Read clinicians served 83,717 children and distributed 125,710 books at well-child visits in Iowa and Nebraska, the release said. Holms has 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector including serving as director of development for Catholic Charities and Iowa Health Foundation, executive director for Amanda the Panda Grief and Loss Center and state director for Best Buddies Iowa among other roles. “Laura’s passion for equity, community and early childhood development aligns powerfully with the mission and values of Reach Out and Read,” Ruth Coleman, senior director of growth for Reach Out and Read National, said in a statement. “Her leadership will be key to deepening our impact across the Midwest — strengthening relationships with families, pediatric clinicians and community partners as we work together to give every child a foundation for lifelong success.”