Say Yes Cleveland appoints Derrick Fulton as executive director, signaling a leadership shift amid restructuring

New leadership begins in February

Say Yes Cleveland has appointed Derrick Fulton as its new executive director, with a start date of February 9, 2026. The organization, launched in 2019, operates a “college promise” model that combines tuition support for eligible Cleveland Metropolitan School District graduates with school-based wraparound services for students and families.

Fulton is moving into the role from his position as executive director of Facing History and Ourselves in Cleveland, an education nonprofit that supports educators with curriculum and training in history and civic learning. His appointment places a longtime education and social-services administrator at the helm as the organization navigates staffing and program-delivery changes.

What Say Yes Cleveland does

Say Yes Cleveland’s work has two pillars: gap-funding scholarships to support postsecondary education or eligible training programs for qualifying CMSD graduates, and K-12 support services intended to help students stay on track to graduate. The support-services component is delivered through staff embedded in schools, including family support specialists who connect families to community resources.

• Scholarships: gap-funding for eligible graduates pursuing college or career training.

• Support services: school-based assistance for students and families from Pre-K through graduation.

Fulton’s background and experience cited in the announcement

In announcing the hire on January 16, 2026, organizational leaders described Fulton as bringing more than two decades of experience across urban education and social services. His prior roles include leadership positions at City Year and University Settlement, along with work as a transformation specialist at the Ohio Department of Education managing a $20 million School Improvement Grant budget and supporting principals with grant compliance.

Fulton’s appointment was described as filling an “important position at a pivotal moment,” with leadership highlighting his mix of fiscal management and community engagement experience.

The announcement also states Fulton holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bluffton University and a master’s degree from Franklin University.

Leadership change comes as the organization adjusts its operating model

The executive director transition follows a period of operational reassessment. In 2025, Say Yes Cleveland outlined that it was responding to persistent funding challenges and shifting toward a more efficient structure for delivering school-based services, including potential changes in how family support specialists are assigned across schools.

Fulton is taking over after an interim period led by Catherine Tkachyk. The organization has also been working to increase student connection to its program and to ensure students receive the supports needed to persist in postsecondary education.

What to watch next

With Fulton’s tenure beginning February 9, 2026, key near-term indicators will include how the organization stabilizes staffing for school-based services, communicates scholarship policies to students and families, and sustains partnerships with CMSD and other civic and nonprofit stakeholders involved in its model.