Washington, DC — Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CISNCAP) announced that Dr. Rustin M. Lewis will replace Ms. Ellen London as Executive Director. Ms. London announced in December 2019 that she would leave the organization after leading it for seven years. CISNCAP identifies and removes barriers that prevent nearly 6,000 DC Public School students from being in school and ready to learn. Dr. Lewis will lead the organization’s efforts to build partnerships with corporate, philanthropic, and community-based organizations to bring resources to students in DC Public Schools.
Most recently Dr. Lewis was a nonprofit consultant. Previously he was a 2018 candidate in the At-Large DC Council race and held senior leadership positions at College Bound, College Summit, and National Cares Mentoring. He sits on the boards of the H.D. Woodson STEM Academy, East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative, UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration’s MPA Advisory Group, and Bowen McCauley Dance Company. Dr. Lewis holds a doctorate in public administration from the University of Baltimore, a master of public administration and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clark Atlanta University. He also has executive management certificates from Harvard and Georgetown Universities.
“Rustin brings more than 20 years of experience building organizations that empower at-risk students to complete school and achieve in life,” said CISNCAP Board Chair Brian Reid. “We are excited to have Rustin lead the organization when the needs of students and their families have never been greater. Rustin’s experience and passion for addressing the needs of under-resourced youth will build on the foundation that Ellen laid by bringing more support and services to the students and families we serve. We are thankful for Ellen’s vision during the past seven years in aligning the organization with the broader community school movement.”
“I believe that transformational change through long-term one-on-one relationship building is not only a proven strategy; it is imperative if we are to prepare our youth for the challenges we face as a community. I am excited to be a part of an effort that is reaching and transforming the lives of our highest-need youth in DC Public Schools,” said Dr. Lewis. “Building upon CIS’s evidence-based model, which is rooted in caring relationships, I’m committed to deepening our relationships with donors, DCPS, community partners, staff, board members, philanthropists, and the corporate community to sustain, diversify and intensify our impact.”
ABOUT CIS
Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital is the Washington, DC affiliate of Communities In Schools. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.