LAS VEGAS, NEV. – Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada, the nation’s leading evidence-based dropout prevention organization serving 117 Nevada schools, announces the appointment of Ayesha Molino, chief operating officer at MGM Resorts International to its board of directors. Molino’s appointment marks the latest milestone in a decade-long partnership between CIS of Nevada and MGM Resorts International.
MGM Resorts has long supported CIS of Nevada through its commitment to expanding educational opportunity. From 2019 to 2026, the company invested nearly $700,000 to help provide evidence-based Integrated Student Support services to thousands of students across the state. Through the MGM Resorts Foundation, employees have further strengthened that impact, awarding more than $215,000 in grants to the organization since 2019.
New to the CIS of Nevada board, Molino is the chief operating officer at MGM Resorts International, where she oversees the company’s Las Vegas and regional properties as well as multiple corporate departments, including sales, revenue management, human resources, government affairs, and public relations. Previously, Molino simultaneously served as chief public affairs officer, president, and COO of Aria and Vdara. Before joining MGM Resorts in 2017, she served in several leadership roles within the U.S. Senate, including chief counsel to former Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. Molino currently serves on several industry boards and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside and her law degree from The George Washington University Law School.
“Ayesha’s appointment to our board is a natural evolution of a partnership that has meant so much to Nevada students and families,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director for CIS of Nevada. “MGM Resorts has been an extraordinary ally in the classroom, the community, and now in the boardroom. We are grateful for their continued investment and look forward to the leadership and vision Ayesha will bring to CIS.”
“I’m honored to join Communities In Schools of Nevada, an organization doing critical work to help students succeed, and proud of MGM Resorts’ longstanding commitment to supporting education in the communities we serve. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and the incredible CIS team to expand our impact for Nevada’s students and families.”
Serving nearly 100,000 students statewide, CIS of Nevada works directly inside schools to connect students and families with resources, relationships, and support systems that help kids stay in school and achieve in life. For two consecutive school years, including last year, CIS of Nevada achieved a 97 percent graduation rate among seniors served.
About Communities In Schools of Nevada
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada places full-time, professionally trained site coordinators in 117 Title I and high-needs schools to support nearly 100,000 K-12 students. By leveraging a statewide network of more than 120 community nonprofits and partners, CIS brings essential community resources directly into schools to remove barriers to student success. Whether providing healthcare, professional counseling, or basic necessities like food and housing, CIS closes the opportunity gaps students face daily. Recent Harvard research confirms that CIS’ relationship-driven approach leads to higher test scores, increased college attendance, and higher adult earnings. In the 2024-2025 school year, CIS case-managed seniors in Nevada achieved a 97 percent graduation rate. Learn more at cisnevada.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact: Cherryl Kaopua, Communities In Schools of Nevada, cherryl@twgpr.com, 702-408-8334
