SOAR Executive Team, August 2025
In January 2025, Ben Rediske, founding member of SOAR Afterschool and Executive Director, announced his plans to move on to new opportunities after 12 years of leadership.
SOAR has never done the “typical” - we Rise Up to challenges with creativity, care and courage, and a leadership shift reflecting just that was an opportunity for SOAR’s board to do things differently,
Design a model that reflects our collaborative, community-first culture
Promote growth from within, celebrating the leadership talent already on the team
Divide responsibilities in a way that plays to our leaders’ strengths
Our new structure is rooted in shared leadership and mutual trust. An Executive Team working as equal partners, each leading distinct, complementary areas of SOAR’s mission:
Ashley Poole, formerly Program Director, will serve as the new Chief Operations Officer. Ellie Hoyt, formerly Director of Development, will serve as the new Chief Development Officer.
This new model was put together with intent and is a confident step forward. Backed by the Board and championed by SOAR’s new Executive Team, this structure is designed to set SOAR up for long-term success while staying true to who we are.
Filling the gap between the school day and workday, SOAR provides a safe and affordable place for students to learn, build relationships and practice skills for future success. That mission remains our north star. By leaning into the strengths of our leaders and the values that make SOAR special, we’re not just restructuring. We’re reimagining what’s possible.
Ellie Hoyt - Chief Development Officer
Ellie started at SOAR in 2016, leading SOAR Grace Hill as Site Director until December 2023. At that time, SOAR determined a need to expand fundraising and development efforts, and Ellie was promoted into a new role, Director of Development, where she’s been building SOAR’s community relationships over the last year and a half. “I believe deeply in SOAR, in the value of a safe place for kids to belong. A program like this has a positive impact on far more than just the students. The possibilities are endless, and I’m incredibly honored to be part of leading what’s next for SOAR Afterschool.”
Ashley Poole - Chief Operations Officer
Ashley’s time at SOAR began in 2016, as a program leader at SOAR Jones. The experience inspired her to pursue a teaching degree in 2017, and after 4 years of teaching 4th grade in Oklahoma, Ashley returned to SOAR in 2023 to serve as Program Director, ensuring the excellence of all five program sites. “What brought me back to SOAR was the unique experience of working for a program that empowers the individual. I envision a future where our staff and students have the confidence to reach the biggest goals, because of SOAR.”
“At SOAR, we don’t just adapt to change, we use it as a launchpad. This new structure, championed by the Board of Directors, is more than a leadership update; it’s a reflection of who we are: a bold, mission-driven team that believes in the power of people and possibility. We are tremendously excited to see Ashley and Ellie continue to pour into SOAR's mission and grow this organization!
If you’ve ever believed that afterschool can be more… that it should be a place where kids grow, thrive, and discover who they are, we invite you to be part of what’s next. Volunteer! Donate! Advocate! However you plug in, there’s a seat at the table for you, and a student whose story you can help shape!” - Natalie Mitchell, Board Chair
Contact us:
Ellie@soarafterschool.com
Ashleyp@soarafterschool.com