About Us
For over 40 years, we’ve helped more than 21,000 students from inner-city neighborhoods in the heart of Cincinnati overcome the barriers of poverty by opening the door to a life-changing, values-based Catholic education. We’re committed to more than just providing access—we walk alongside each student, offering stability, support, and a path grounded in faith, purpose, and hope. Together with our donors and community partners, we are building a future where every child’s potential is not just seen, but fully realized.
What We Do
Each year, students across Cincinnati receive a high-quality, faith-based education thanks to the generosity of CISE donors. But our impact goes beyond academics. From preschool to high school, we provide access, stability, essential support services, and strong values that help students succeed. In partnership with our schools, we fund a pipeline of services including health support, leadership development, and critical life skills. Rooted in faith and open to all, our schools nurture the whole child, building character, confidence, and a foundation for lifelong success.
Our Mission
CISE empowers students and strengthens their families and communities by providing access to a values-based Catholic education at inner-city elementary schools and Catholic high schools. Through strong partnerships and vital support services, we create safe, nurturing environments where children gain the foundational values they need for lifelong success.
Where CISE-Supported Schools Operate
Across the Cincinnati region, more than 3,000 CISE-supported students fill the halls of 12 Catholic elementary schools and 14 Catholic high schools.
How It All Started
CISE was founded in 1980 by three visionary city leaders of different faiths—Cincinnati Archbishop Joseph Bernardin and two businessmen, Ralph Lazarus and Edward Harness—who came together to address one urgent need: providing educational access for children living in poverty.
In 1982, their first fundraising campaign raised $45,000, launching a new model of community-supported Catholic education. Over 40 years later, that spirit lives on in our amazing CISE-supported schools.
Our Team
Phil McHugh
President & Executive Director
Kelly Camm
Director of Development
Dr. Cate O’Brien
Director of School Programs
Debi Haines
Director of Marketing & Communication
Dr. Mari Thomas
Career Navigator & Workforce Intermediary
Mike Kennedy
Director of Strategic Initiatives & High School Scholarship Programs
Sean O’Brien
Accountant, Management of School Funds & Partnerships
Michelle Kiigi
Manager of Donor Relationships
Jessica Beck
Administrative Assistant, School Programs
Tammy Miller
Staff Accountant
Board of Trustees
David Williams
Chair
Ryan Alleman
Vice-Chair
Allison Kropp
Secretary
Matthew Stautberg
Treasurer
Donald L. Mellott, Jr.
Immediate Past Chair
Phil McHugh
President
Charlie Baverman
Samuel Burchenal
Patrick Burke
Kelly Dehan
Scott Enders
Andy Farfsing
Thomas Finn
Leon Hampton
Patricia Headley
Tom Hurley
Matt Jackson
Dr. Jane Knudson
Nate Lampley, Jr.
Kate Molinsky
Paul Moore
Penny Pomeranz
Timothy Reilly
Christopher Rueve
Harry Santen
Kelley Schiess
Ann Schoen
Dr. William Shula
Diane Tarvardian
Andrew Williamson
Deacon Royce Winters
Emeritus Members
Rev. James Bok
Jack Bunker
Harry Fath
Richard Greiwe
Robert Hodge, Posthumously
Lawrence Kyte, Jr.
Susan Pichler
Nick Ragland
Robert Stautberg
Susan Tew