Men Tchaas Ari, MPA

Men Tchaas Ari is the President and CEO of Communities In Schools of Charlotte Mecklenburg (CIS), an organization dedicated to empowering students to remain in school and succeed in life. Serving more than 6,000 students in 56 CMS schools, he leads the largest CIS affiliate in NC. Before joining CIS, Men Tchaas served as the Deputy Director of Adult and Economic Services at the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. Prior to that role, he was the Chief Program Officer at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Originally from Bloomfield, Connecticut, Ari has made Charlotte his home for the past 28 years. He is fluent in Spanish and boasts over 25 years of experience in human services. Ari’s educational background includes an Executive master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Government and an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College. Furthering his academic achievements, he has also earned a certificate in Municipal and County Government Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. Ari is an alumnus of Leadership Charlotte. As a dedicated parent, Ari is the proud father of two adult children who live in Charlotte. Apart from his family life and professional commitments, Ari is a Toastmaster who has held leadership roles at both club and district levels. He currently serves as the Vice President for the Morehouse Alumni Association of Charlotte and sits on the Board of Apparo. Ari is proud of his civic engagement. He has chaired the Board of Leadership Charlotte, served on the board of the Assistance League, participated in WFAE’s Advisory Board, and is a charter member of the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP). In his spare time, Ari enjoys a range of activities. He loves aviation, is an avid reader, and a self-proclaimed health enthusiast.