Men Tchaas Ari

Men Tchaas Ari Is President and CEO of Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS), a student support organization that empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life. Prior to joining CIS, Ari worked as the Deputy Director of Adult and Economic Services with Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services and prior to working at DSS, Ari was the Chief Program Officer at Crisis Assistance Ministry. A native of Bloomfield, Connecticut, Ari has lived in Charlotte for 24 years. He is fluent in Spanish, and has more than 24 years of experience in human services.

Ari holds an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Government and has an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College. Ari also received a certificate in Municipal and County Government Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is an alumni of Leadership Charlotte, and has also served as the Chairman of the Board there.

Ari is a Toastmaster who has held positions at both the club and district level. Additionally he has served on the board of the Assistance League, WFAE’s Advisory Board and is a charter member of the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP). Ari has two adult children whom he loves dearly. He is an aviator, an avid reader and a self-proclaimed health enthusiast. In his free time he loves to travel and to ride his one wheel.