Ari Santiago Appointed Interim CSCU Chair

Well-known Connecticut entrepreneur and technology leader Ari Santiago was appointed May 22 as interim chair of the Board of Regents for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

Santiago has served on CSCU’s board since 2020 and succeeds Marty Guay, who stepped down May 18 after serving as chair since June 2024.

CSCU has the state’s largest student population, with four state universities (Central, Southern, Eastern, and Western), Connecticut State Community College and its 12 campuses, and Charter Oak State College.

“Ari has unique experience both in the development of cutting-edge technology solutions and also operating a business that meets the needs of hundreds of customers and provides employment to workers here in Connecticut,” Lamont said in a statement.

Santiagio said he joined the CSCU Board of Regents “because I believe deeply in what this system can do for students, for communities, and for Connecticut’s economy.”

“CSCU educates the next generation of Connecticut’s citizens and workforce, and I intend to make sure we are doing that job at the highest possible level,” he said.

‘Clear Eyes’

Santiago, who turned a one-person information technology startup into a successful, nationally recognized business, acknowledged the challenges facing CSCU.

Guay stepped down following the departure of interim chancellor John Maduko, who resigned in April after learning he was the subject of a complaint from a CSCU employee.

The Board of Regents appointed an outside consulting firm earlier this month to conduct an independent review of Maduko’s behavior and the CSCU system’s response to the employee’s compliant.

“Our students deserve better.”

Interim CSCU chair Ari Santiago

“I am accepting this role with clear eyes,” Santiago said.

“The events of recent weeks have been troubling, and the public, and especially our students, deserve better.

“The independent investigation being started must proceed with full transparency and without interference and, following it, any necessary changes will be made. That work will not wait.”

Collaborative Focus

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima applauded the appointment, saying Santiago was “exactly the kind of leader needed to restore trust and transparency in the CSCU system and position it to successfully meet the needs of students, faculty, and Connecticut’s economy.”

“He brings tremendous integrity, deep business experience, and a genuine understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing all CSCU stakeholders,” DiPentima said.

DiPentima praised the emphasis Santiago has placed throughout his professional career and in public service on “fostering collaborative environments where people from all backgrounds can succeed.”

“Connecticut’s future depends on our ability to attract, retain, and develop talent,” DiPentima said. 

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima said Santiago was “exactly the kind of leader needed to restore trust and transparency in the CSCU system.”

“That means developing and supporting educational systems that are accessible, forward-looking, and connected to the realities of today’s economy. 

“Ari’s leadership style reflects those values. He understands the importance of listening, building relationships, and bringing people together around shared objectives.” 

DiPentima noted Santiago’s career as a successful, self-made entrepreneur, widely recognized for his leadership in technology, workforce development, and community engagement. 

“He understands the importance of creating educational pathways that equip students with the technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability needed in today’s economy,” he said.

“That perspective is invaluable as Connecticut works to strengthen its talent pipeline and ensure our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”