Forever Kings names new executive director

Cincinnati nonprofit Forever Kings has named Stephen Mosby as its next executive director, succeeding founder Jordan Bankston as the youth development organization enters its next phase.

Mosby, who currently serves as lead impact coordinator, will take over the role July 13.

“I’ve always known my calling was to lay the foundation brick by brick, year by year, so that one day, someone else could build higher. That day is here,” said Bankston, who started Forever Kings in 2019. He will transition to the role of strategic advisor for growth and sustainability.

“Forever Kings is stronger than it has ever been, and I am stepping into my next role with full confidence that Stephen Mosby is the right leader to carry this mission forward,” he continued. “Together, we built something BIGGER than the builder!”

Continuing its mission

Forever Kings serves boys and young men of color through mentorship, academic support, workforce development, leadership development, mental wellness services and community engagement. Focus areas of the organization are on-time high school graduation rate and grade progression rate.

To date, Forever Kings has served more than 3,000 young men and their families, Bankston said. Sixty have graduated from its flagship program and the alumni network will soon grow to more than 75 young men.

“I am deeply honored by the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me,” said Mosby, who joined Forever Kings after leadership roles with IDEA Public Schools and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. As lead impact coordinator, he oversaw programming and member engagement for boys and young men in grades 3-8.

In its statement, the Forever Kings team indicated it expects to welcome a record number of participants during the upcoming program year and expand to two additional sites.

“I look forward to working alongside our staff, board members, families, supporters and community partners as we continue advancing the mission of Forever Kings and expanding our impact throughout the region,” he continued.

What’s next

The leadership change coincides with the launch of Forever Kings’ “Fund Our Future” campaign, which will support the organization’s growth, leadership transition and long-term sustainability. It’ll conclude with the organization’s fourth annual Building Strong Men Gala, themed “From Seed to Legacy,” on Sept. 26 at The Savannah Center.

Board Chair Dr. Russell E. Whitney II said the transition reflects the organization’s commitment to developing leaders from within.

“Founders create organizations, but transformational leaders build organizations that can thrive beyond themselves. Jordan has built a strong foundation, and we are excited about the leadership Stephen will bring as Forever Kings enters its next era,” Whitney said. “Stephen’s appointment reflects the strength of our organization, our commitment to developing leaders from within, and our confidence in the future.”