Former Springer School VP to Lead Crayons and Beyond

Crayons and Beyond, the Cincinnati-based nonprofit that connects teachers and students in need with essential classroom supplies, has named Kirstin Eismin-Henry as its next President & CEO.

She will join the organization on July 6, 2026. Eismin-Henry brings more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Springer School and Center, where she led marketing, fundraising, board engagement, admissions, and community outreach.

William R. Harrod, who chairs Crayons’ Board of Trustees and also served as chair of the Search Committee, said the process was grounded in a clear-eyed look at where the organization is headed.

“Kirstin has a genuine passion for ensuring students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed, and that message came through consistently in each of our conversations with her. She also showed a deep respect for the organization and the work being done. What impressed the Search Committee was Kirstin’s vision for the ‘beyond’ portion of our name and how the organization can thoughtfully extend its impact in ways that are true to who we are. That balance of honoring our foundation while pushing our reach further is exactly what Crayons needs right now.”

Eismin-Henry said her connection to the mission is personal. “What drew me to this role is rooted in my core belief that a child’s potential should never be limited by a lack of resources. I have dedicated my career to advocating for and creating that very access.” That passion, she said, is rooted in childhood memory. “Growing up, I spent summers captivated by a local teacher supply store. To me, those aisles represented more than just materials — they represented the magic of possibility. Yet I know that for many educators, buying these resources is a luxury, and too many students go without that magic.”

Eismin-Henry steps into the role as Crayons and Beyond enters a pivotal stretch. In February the organization launched the public phase of a $6.1 million comprehensive campaign aimed at doubling the number of students and teachers served by the 2030-2031 school year. Betsy Wilson, who has served as Interim President & CEO since Amy Cheney’s retirement on March 31, will resume her role as Chief Development Officer when Eismin-Henry takes over on July 6. Wilson said the organization is in a strong position to welcome new leadership. “We are thrilled to welcome Kirstin to lead Crayons into its next chapter. Her passion for our mission, commitment to community, and vision for innovation make her the right leader at the right time. I’m excited about what this means for the future of our staff, volunteers, donors, andthe teachers we serve.”

Prior to her work at Springer School and Center, Eismin-Henry served as Shelter and Outreach Coordinator at the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and Outreach Coordinator at the YWCA of Greater Lafayette.

Photo provided.