FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melanie Sheridan, Senior Marketing Manager – press@utr.org | (858) 481-7323

United Through Reading Appoints Carrie Valentine Fuller as Chief Executive Officer; Sally Ann Zoll, Ed.D., Transitions to Executive Chairman and Board Member

San Diego, CA — December 8, 2025 — United Through Reading (UTR), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to connecting military families through shared storytime, today announced the appointment of Carrie Valentine Fuller, MBA, as Chief Executive Officer. Fuller succeeds long-time leader Sally Ann Zoll, Ed.D., who will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board of Trustees, continuing her service and strategic guidance for the organization.

United Through Reading has strengthened family bonds for more than 35 years by ensuring that military children and their caregivers stay connected through video storytime—even when deployment, training, or geographic separation keeps them apart. Fuller’s appointment marks a significant step in UTR’s continued investment in innovation, accessibility, and family resilience.

A Proven Leader with a Deep Commitment to Mission

Fuller, who previously served as UTR’s Vice President of Advancement, brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic growth, and mission-driven fundraising. During her tenure, she has led transformational initiatives that have expanded UTR’s impact, including:

  • Launching the UTR App 2.0, which modernized and streamlined access to UTR’s video storytime platform for military families worldwide.
  • Leading the national expansion of the Mobile Story Station campaign, enabling connections with more than 400,000 military family members annually and strengthening UTR’s on-base presence.
  • Securing major multi-year support from corporate and foundation partners, fueling regional expansions, literacy programming, and technology innovation.

“Carrie’s strategic vision and heart for the mission have already elevated UTR to new heights,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll. “As Executive Chairman, I look forward to supporting her leadership and continuing our shared work of connecting military families through reading.”

A Mission-Driven Approach to Leadership

Fuller holds degrees from the University of Utah and the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, analytical rigor, and storytelling-driven approach to advancement—attributes that align closely with UTR’s mission of strengthening military families through connection and literacy.

“I’m honored to lead United Through Reading into its next chapter,” Fuller said. “Stories are how families stay connected, even when oceans or deployments separate them. Together with our dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, and partners, we’ll continue building those connections one story at a time.”

Outside of work, Fuller enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with her two chocolate labs, Tank and Zoey.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its founding in 1989, UTR has connected more than 3.8 million military family members with storytime—providing service members with a meaningful way to remain present, even when physically apart. Through its programs, including the UTR App and the nationwide Mobile Story Station campaign, the organization partners with every branch of the U.S. military to strengthen literacy and family bonds.