Let Me Run has named Richard Sexton as its executive director, effective immediately. Sexton replaces Emily Battle, who helmed the nonprofit physical and emotional wellness program for boys since 2019, leading the organization through organizational changes, COVID-19 and impressive national growth.
“I’ve loved the opportunity to lead this organization over the past four years and am proud of all that we have achieved as an organization through a difficult time,” Battle said. “I’m thrilled to be passing the baton to Richard, who understands firsthand the power of running in breaking down barriers, forming lifelong connections, and boosting both physical and emotional health. I look forward to seeing the impact that Let Me Run continues to have on boys around the country and hope to stay involved as a volunteer within the Charlotte community.”
Sexton has devoted much of his career to building organizations, from his own retail company to world-class enterprise sales and marketing teams within AAA, MicroD, and Williams-Sonoma.
Equally, he has been committed to service to his community with a long history of volunteerism with organizations such as Cub Scouts, Little Brothers, Discovery Place and the Cabarrus County school system.
In 2021, Sexton ran across North Carolina carrying a 25-pound slam ball to raise money for Champion Autism Network and autism awareness, covering a marathon a day for 30 days.
With eight years of substitute teaching under his belt, Sexton is attuned to the physical and mental health challenges faced by boys in today’s post-pandemic world.
“Running and movement are core to who I am as a person, and I understand the transformational power of running, both from a conditioning perspective and a mental well–being perspective,” said Sexton, who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultramarathons and six iron-distance triathlons. “Running has provided me with a lifelong support system in the friends I’ve made and conversations I’ve shared. Let Me Run directly addresses one of the most fundamental needs of boys today: the need to connect and express their authentic selves through the release of running and movement.”
Sexton will focus on building a national network of Let Me Run regions, supported by paid and volunteer staff and underwritten by national sponsors whose messages align with Let Me Run.
To learn more about Let Me Run, visit www.letmerun.org.
