Meredith Benton joined Communities In Schools of Tennessee as our CEO in August 2023 and has hit the ground running, visiting one of our Hardeman County Schools in her first weeks (learn more about one visit here!) and meeting with many of our terrific partners. Learn more about Meredith, including her favorite class in school growing up to the trip she’s most looking forward to, in this Q&A:
What drew you to CIS? With a background in Adverse Childhood Experiences, I know the lasting impact one caring adult can have on a child’s life. CIS staff are often that adult in our students’ lives. My dad and late husband were both teachers and saw through them the needs of students beyond academics. I’m honored to play a role in supporting student success, inside the classroom and outside in the community.
Favorite class and/or teacher in school growing up? Social Studies and English. I loved learning about history, geography and cultures. Ms. McCormick was my junior year English teacher and I fell in love with reading and writing thanks to her.
You are an avid traveler. Favorite trip you’ve taken? My hiking trips stand out, particularly the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Milford Trek in New Zealand. Favorite place you’d like to visit? North Dakota! My daughter and I will visit North Dakota as our 50th state together in October. Favorite thing to do in Nashville? I take full advantage of Music City and attend as many concerts as I can.
Reach out to Meredith anytime at mbenton@cistn.org and come meet her in person in a few weeks at our annual fundraising breakfast, set for September 21 at 14Tenn. RSVP here.
