Men Tchaas Ari has been the President and CEO of Communities In Schools (CIS) since 2020.  CIS is 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.​

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.