Tianay Amat will become the next president and CEO of Cincinnati Works starting May 10.
Amat has been serving as the interim superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools since June 2021. During her more than 20 years of educational experience, she served as CPS deputy superintendent and five years as principal of Hyde Park School. Amat will leave the school district May 1.
“I am excited to continue to pursue my passion to eliminate poverty with an organization that believes in the resiliency of the human spirit and the collective strength of employer partnerships,” Amat said in a release. “Over the past 26 years, Cincinnati Works has eliminated barriers to employment and demonstrated that a job is just the beginning to economic self-sufficiency. I am honored to join this remarkable and dedicated team.”
Amat is replacing Peggy Zink, who is retiring after 13 years as president and CEO of the organization. Zink will remain with the nonprofit through May 31 to help with the transition.
“Peggy has been a great leader as Cincinnati Works has grown substantially and found innovative ways to serve our members,” said Tom Gilman, lead director of the Cincinnati Works Board of Trustees in a release. “The foundation she leaves behind provides a great platform for Tianay to build on, and we are excited about the opportunity to support her and work to make an even bigger impact on the community.”
In January, Amat was announced as one of the three finalists for the vacant superintendent position at CPS. Ultimately, Iranetta Wright was selected for the position.
The CPS Board of Education will be thanking Amat for her service during Monday evening's board meeting at 6:30.
You can read Amat's farewell letter to the district below:
Dear CPS Friends and Family,
As many of you know, my last day with Cincinnati Public Schools will be May 1. I fell in love with CPS the moment I arrived at Rockdale Academy nearly 20 years ago for my first teaching assignment. That affection has only grown through the years in my roles as Principal of Hyde Park School, Deputy Superintendent and Interim Superintendent.
I will always be grateful for our incredible community of teachers, staff, parents, volunteers, partners and supporters. On our journey together, I have witnessed how dedicated each of you are to the one thing that matters most — our students. You are committed to helping them be the very best they can be each day, all while preparing them for the incredible futures they deserve. Our students have big dreams, and you create the paths and the support systems that allow our kids to reach them.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead our district. And, as I move on, I know great things continue to lie ahead for CPS. As I cheer you all on from the sidelines, know that I am not going far. This is my home and where I want to continue to serve the families and children of Cincinnati.
Earlier today, it was announced that I will be the next CEO for Cincinnati Works. Over the past 25 years, Cincinnati Works has eliminated barriers to employment and demonstrated that a job is just the beginning of economic self-sufficiency. I am excited to continue to pursue my passion to eliminate poverty with an organization that believes in the resiliency of the human spirit and the collective strength of employer partnerships.
As I move into this new role in our community, know that CPS will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for your friendship, your partnership and your trust over these last many years.
With warm regards,
Interim Superintendent Tianay Amat
This story will be updated.
