Current CEO Habeebah Rasheed Grimes to step down on June 30 after 22 years of service;
Eric Gordon appointed new CEO effective July 1
Cleveland, Ohio JUNE 3, 2025 – The Board of Directors today announced that after a thoughtful executive search, Eric Gordon has been appointed as the new CEO of Positive Education Program effective July 1. As previously announced in September 2024, current CEO Habeebah Rasheed Grimes will step down after 22 years of service and seven years as CEO on June 30. She made this decision as she felt this was the right time to do so for PEP, herself, and her family.
Habeebah led PEP with grace and purpose through the challenging COVID years, emerging as a profound advocate for how trauma impacts childhood development, particularly for those young people who are part of often marginalized populations. During her tenure as CEO, PEP solidified its reputation as a leader in trauma-informed care, as it gained expertise in an evidence-based approach to trauma-informed care known as the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)TM, developed by Bruce Perry, MD, PhD. Today, PEP is a Phase II NMTTM certified site, the only such organization in Northeast Ohio. She emerged as a strong advocate for OhioRISE, a Medicaid program in Ohio designed to help young people with significant behavioral health issues succeed in their schools, homes, and communities, and led PEP to be chosen as the OhioRISE care management entity (CME) serving central Cuyahoga County. Habeebah has been intentional about leveraging PEP’s assets on behalf of all children, and she currently serves as the chair of Cuyahoga County Citizen’s Advisory Coalition on Equity (CASE).
Habeebah began her career as a one-on-one aide at PEP at one of its Day Treatment Centers more than 20 years ago. She ascended in her career, becoming a clinical supervisor, then clinical director, and then chief clinical officer. In 2018, she was chosen to succeed Frank Fecser as CEO, becoming PEP’s third such leader since its founding in 1971.
“Habeebah has brought extraordinary compassion, commitment, and expertise to PEP, always placing the needs of kids and families at the center of every decision,” said Holley Fowler Martens, chair, PEP Board of Directors. “Her inclusive leadership style allowed PEP to build a strategic framework that engaged diverse voices and made space for many to lead and bring their collective wisdom to the work. She leaves an impressive foundation for Eric, who has the experience and leadership skills to continue PEP’s growth and impact well into the future.”
“I feel very fortunate to have spent over 20 years at PEP. Serving our youth and families while learning alongside my colleagues has been deeply humbling and a tremendous honor,” said Habeebah. “My heart is full of gratitude for the trust that young people, their parents and caregivers, and the staff have placed in me, no matter my role. My experiences at PEP will remain with me and guide me as I begin a new chapter. Passing the baton to Eric Gordon gives me great confidence that PEP will continue to serve its mission well.”
Eric brings incredible experience and passion to PEP. Since July 2023, Eric has served as Senior Vice-President of Student Development and Education Pipeline at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). Previously, he was the CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) for 12 years. During his tenure CMSD saw dramatic improvement in academic performance, including a 29-percentage point gain in graduation rates to a record 80.9 percent.
Among his many awards, Eric received the Green-Garner Award of the Council of the Great City Schools in 2016, distinguishing him as the top Urban Educator of the Year, the highest national honor for an urban school superintendent. He is a champion for whole child development and is known as a national leader in bridging social emotional and academic learning, having recently been recognized with the Mary Utne O’Brien Social Emotional Learning Leader Lifetime Achievement Award from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
“Eric is known for his collaborative, can-do leadership style. He is laser-focused on doing what is best for kids,” stated Holley. “As a past teacher and principal, Eric brings an appreciation for what it takes to provide direct service and as a former leader of a large urban district, he knows what it takes to support and motivate a team to achieve needed results. He and Habeebah have enjoyed a strong partnership through the years, and their relationship and shared passion for the wellbeing of young people will ensure a smooth transition. We are thrilled to welcome Eric to PEP.”
“For over 50 years, PEP has truly saved the lives of children and young adults, and their families across Northeast Ohio,” Eric said. “I’m looking forward to leading PEP in the continued pursuit of its mission and accelerating its impact in the years to come!”
For more information contact Deanna Moore, director, communications and marketing at 216-361-7760 ext. 188 or via email.
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Since 1971, Positive Education Program has been supporting young people to overcome and thrive. PEP provides direct and indirect services for children challenged by complex developmental trauma, mental health issues and autism, their families and the professionals who support them. PEP is committed to understanding and overcoming the significant trauma and chronic stress experienced by many of the youth we serve. Programs include five PEP Day Treatment Centers (Chesnutt, Hopewell, Phoenix, Prentiss Autism Center, Willow Creek) PEP Connections, PEP Early Childhood Plus and PEP Assist.