Application for New Appointment

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Subject: Webform Submission From: Application for Chandler Boards and Commissions
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:19:11 PM
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Submitted on Tue, 04/21/2026 - 05:12 PM
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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