A Legacy of Leadership and Growth Across Nevada
After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada is entering a new chapter. CEO and State Director Tami Hance-Lehr has announced her retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to students and families across the state.
Under Hance-Lehr’s leadership, CIS of Nevada expanded to serve 117 schools and nearly 100,000 students statewide, becoming one of Nevada’s most far-reaching and impactful nonprofits. Her tenure reflects what is possible when relationships, student-centered support, and strong community partnerships come together.
“Tami’s leadership, not only across Nevada, but throughout the Communities In Schools national network, is marked with incredible success,” said Board Chair Ray Specht. “What she has demonstrated, when student supports are prioritized, along with her vision to strengthen partnerships, advance policy, and expand access to wraparound evidence-based support, is leaving a legacy for the over two-decade strong organization.”
Advancing Student Success Through Innovation and Partnership
Hance-Lehr’s leadership guided CIS of Nevada through some of the most critical moments in recent history, while also driving long-term, systemic impact.
During the pandemic, she led the Connecting Kids in Nevada Family Support Center, mobilizing more than 150 staff, fielding over 45,000 calls, and connecting nearly 18,000 families to reliable internet access and devices. She also helped advance the bipartisan Senate Bill 189, the Keeping Kids in Schools Act, securing critical state funding for CIS’ Integrated Student Supports model.
Her leadership further positioned CIS of Nevada on the national stage, including securing an $11.8 million Full-Service Community Schools grant, making it the only Nevada-based recipient among 30 awardees nationwide. At the same time, the organization achieved a record-breaking 97% graduation rate for case-managed students for two consecutive school years.
“Tami has built an organization that is deeply rooted in community and driven by a powerful vision to empower students,” said Vice Chair Punam Mathur. “Because of her leadership, the organization is stronger, more connected, and well-positioned in continuing to do whatever it takes for students.”
Welcoming Alex Bybee as the Next CEO and State Director
As CIS of Nevada looks to the future, Alex Bybee has been named the organization’s next CEO and State Director. A familiar and trusted leader, Bybee brings more than seven years of experience with CIS of Nevada, along with deep expertise in education policy, philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration.
During his time as Chief Strategy Officer, Bybee helped secure $25 million in funding across local, state, and federal sources—tripling the organization’s budget and expanding evidence-based supports to more high-needs schools. He has built bipartisan coalitions and played a key role in advancing policies that support Nevada students and families.
Bybee returns to CIS of Nevada after founding Bybee Co., a consulting practice focused on social impact strategies, where he strengthened partnerships across Nevada’s civic, philanthropic, and public sectors.
“At CIS, relationships and trust are paramount,” Specht added. “By choosing Alex as our next CEO and state director, we are reinforcing a culture of genuine leadership and positioning the organization for continued success.”
Building on a Strong Foundation for the Future
Hance-Lehr expressed confidence in the organization’s future and the leadership ahead.
“This organization has always been about relationships and belief in students, and that will never change,” she said. “Alex has been a trusted partner in building what CIS of Nevada has become, and I have every confidence he will take it even further. It has been the honor of my career to serve alongside this team, and I will always be all in.”
Bybee echoed that commitment as he prepares to lead the organization into its next chapter.
