Lisa Descant brings over 25 years of counseling and leadership experience to her role as Chief Executive Officer for Communities In Schools of Houston.

For years she has worked together with state, community and education leaders on critical efforts to support students and their success in school and in life. Lisa was introduced to CIS while volunteering for Boys & Girls Clubs as a college student at The University of Texas at Austin. It was through that experience she recognized her purpose: to support students who are coping with major life challenges and everyday stressors so they can focus on achieving their full potential.

A licensed professional counselor and marriage & family therapist, Lisa earned her Master of Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University and worked for CIS in elementary, middle and high schools. With CIS of Houston since 2003, Lisa has served as a Student Support Project Manager, Director of Quality and Standards, Chief Operating Officer and since 2019 as Chief Executive Officer.

Lisa is proud to be a member of the Advisory Board for Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium at Rice University. She represents CIS of Houston as a member of Communities In Schools of Texas where she serves on the Legislative Committee. Additionally, she is a member of CIS National’s Network Leadership Council and Fundraising Advisory Group. She previously held the role of President for the Supporters of Texas Students’ Success and served on Texas Education Agency’s House Bill 906 Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services. Lisa is an American Leadership Forum Class 56 Fellow.