The Board of Directors of Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM) is excited to share that, after an extensive local and national search supported by Summerfield Associates and Terra Firma Consulting, Miska Clay Bibbs has been selected as our next Chief Executive Officer, effective October 6, 2025.
Miska brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in education and community engagement. She has held executive roles with Teach For America-Memphis, Teach Plus, and Green Dot Public Schools. She is also a longtime public servant, currently as a member of the Shelby County Commission and formerly with the Memphis-Shelby County School Board. Her career reflects a clear and unwavering commitment to equity, student success, and doing what’s best for children and families.
“We are confident that Miska’s vision, leadership, and deep roots in Memphis will guide CISM into its strongest chapter yet,” said Chas Harris, Chair of the CISM Board of Directors. “Her demonstrated ability to bring people together and her established commitment to students and families make her the right leader for this moment.”
Miska expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “I am truly honored to join CISM and continue its powerful mission of surrounding students with a community of support. I look forward to listening, learning, and strengthening our partnerships with schools, families, and community leaders to help ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in school and in life.”
We are deeply grateful to Kelsey Kenniel-Hardy and Jessica Pontoo, who honored the mission of CISM and led the organization with exceptional care and commitment as Interim Co-CEOs. Their leadership has positioned us well for this next chapter.
For more than a decade, CISM has been a one-of-a-kind, game-changing program in Memphis. With Miska’s leadership and your continued partnership, we are poised to expand our collective impact for youth across our community.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Miska to the CISM family. You can read her full bio here.
