Avi moved to Nashville in 2001 with Joie, his singer-songwriter wife, following a thirty-four year career as a public school administrator and national educational consultant. During his professional career Avi was primarily known for his focus and interest in middle school best practices, social-emotional learning, and organizational culture. Three schools Avi served as principal were awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Award by three different Presidents

Much of Avi’s Nashville community service has centered on advancing public school education. He served four terms as chair of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Citizens’ Panel for a Community Report Card, six years as a member of the Charter School Review Committee, five years as chair of the MNPS Family Advisory Council for Special Education, and five years as the Co-Chair of the Middle School Transformation Committee. He has been engaged in district strategic planning and has served on a variety of committees aimed at elevating social-emotional learning as a district focus and commitment.

Avi devotes most of his time to a varied menu of community service. He serves as chair of The Rochelle Center for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, The Coalition for Education About Immigration, The Muslim-Jewish Circle of Friends, and A Voice For Poverty Reduction) and is a member of several boards (The Nashville Human Rights Commission, Community Nashville, The W. O. Smith Music School, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, The Nashville Poverty Council, Nashville for All of Us, and The Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation). Avi’s national service includes posts as a board member for Peacemakers, J-Street, and The Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Avi continues to be engaged as an educational consultant. He is president of Chi-Cuz Music Publishing and a principal partner in Edu-Characters, a multi-media company that develops character education programs and commercial educational vehicles including movies, television, and books.