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From: Subject: Webform Submission From: Application for Chandler Boards and Commissions Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:19:11 PM This Message Is From an External Sender This message came from outside your organization. Report Suspicious Submitted on Tue, 04/21/2026 - 05:12 PM Submitted by: Anonymous Submitted values are: Contact Information Select the board(s) that you wish to be considered for Selection 1 Housing and Human Services Commission Selection 2 Neighborhood Advisory Committee Selection 3 Domestic Violence Commission Name Ariel Ackerman Phone Email Address Chandler, Arizona. 85225 Profession Director of Programs Employer AZCEND How many years have you lived in Chandler 4 Are you registered to vote? Yes Boards and Commissions Info Professional Experience My path into human services work is also deeply personal. I was originally drawn to this field while supporting my sister as she navigated significant mental and physical health challenges that affected her housing stability, ability to maintain employment, and overall safety. During that time, I saw firsthand how complex and difficult systems can be to navigate, particularly when someone is already experiencing a crisis. Her experiences also included unhealthy and violent relationships that ultimately led to involvement with the court system and victim advocates. Watching her move through those systems made me realize how critical compassionate, coordinated services are for people who are trying to regain stability and safety. I pursued a career in this field both to better understand those systems and to be able to support people facing similar challenges. In my current role as the Assistant Director of Programs at AZCEND, I oversee several human services programs serving individuals and families experiencing crisis, homelessness, and financial instability. I supervise a team of staff who provide individualized support while ensuring programs operate efficiently and maintain high standards of client care. Much of my work involves strengthening service delivery systems by developing standard operating procedures, supporting staff development, coordinating with community partners, and helping programs respond to evolving community needs. Board/Committee Experience Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family - Commission on Service and Volunteerism, 2024-Present. States for Service Coalition, 2024-Present. Public Allies National Alumni Council - Leadership, 2023-2024. Young Professionals Council Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central AZ, 2022-2025. City of Phoenix Youth and Education Commission, 2022-2023. Briefly explain why you would like to serve on the board / commission Serving on the City of Chandler Housing and Human Services Commission would allow me to combine my professional experience in human services with my passion for strengthening the Chandler community. In my current role as Director of Programs at AZCEND, I oversee programs related to homelessness, housing stability, utility assistance, senior services, and food insecurity, while also supporting strategic planning, budgets, grant management, and partnerships with local governments and community organizations. This work has given me firsthand insight into the challenges Chandler residents face and the kinds of services and policies that can make a meaningful difference. I would want to serve because I care deeply about ensuring Chandler remains a community where individuals and families can access the support they need to remain safe, stable, and connected. Through my work, I have seen the importance of collaboration between nonprofits, local government, businesses, and residents to address issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, heat relief, food insecurity, and access to benefits. I believe my experience developing programs, working with vulnerable populations, managing volunteers, and evaluating outcomes would allow me to contribute practical, community-informed perspectives to the Commission. Referred By None, was mentioned during Chandler Leadership Program - Class 42 Please check the box to the left to indicate that you have read the above statement. Yes