VIA Institute on Character Welcomes Ashwani Dhar as New CEO to Lead Global Expansion

A New Chapter for the VIA Institute on Character

The VIA Institute on Character, renowned for its influential role in the study and application of character strengths, has made a significant leadership change with the appointment of Ashwani Dhar as Chief Executive Officer. This transition comes at an exciting time for the organization, as it seeks to broaden its global impact and further its commitment to scientific achievement and community engagement.

A Defining Moment for VIA

Founded in 2000, the VIA Institute has been at the forefront of developing tools to empower individuals in recognizing and harnessing their character strengths—qualities that enable people to flourish in various aspects of life, including personal development, workplace effectiveness, and overall well-being. The VIA Survey, a peer-reviewed assessment tool used by over 35 million people worldwide, serves as the foundation of this mission, igniting a growing movement towards strengths-based approaches to personal and professional development.

Ashwani Dhar steps into the role of CEO with a wealth of experience acquired over more than 25 years in leadership positions across diverse organizations. His previous role was as CEO of Adlucent, where he successfully prioritized long-term value and inclusive leadership while fostering a culture of trust and integrity. These principles resonate deeply with VIA's focus on scientific rigor and its nonprofit ethos.

The Vision Ahead

With Ashwani at the helm, the VIA Institute is poised to enter its next era. His leadership will be instrumental in deepening the organization’s commitment to accessibility and impact, especially in areas like coaching, education, and health. Recent findings from the VIA Survey Impact Study highlighted the effectiveness of the organization’s approach, revealing that 83% of participants found the survey meaningful, with over half feeling more optimistic about their lives after engaging with it. This data underscores the valuable role of strengths awareness in enhancing personal and communal well-being.

In his own words, Ashwani expresses that the mission of the VIA Institute represents a blend of continuity and new possibilities. His goal is to make character strengths accessible to a more extensive range of communities and cultures. As he states, “VIA's work sits at the intersection of science and humanity, allowing individuals to access a common language for their strengths.” This commitment reflects a clear intention to not only maintain but also expand the organization’s footprint in promoting flourishing lives worldwide.

Commitment to Values and Integrity

The search for the new CEO was meticulously conducted by VIA's Board of Directors, placing emphasis on long-term stewardship, leadership continuity, and mission alignment. The appointment is a clear signal of VIA’s determination to scale responsibly, blending innovation with accountability in service to the community.

Dr. Neal Mayerson, the founder and chairman of the VIA Institute, has voiced his confidence in Ashwani’s ability to guide the organization into this new chapter. He states, “Character strengths are the qualities that help people learn, connect, and thrive. Ashwani's values and experience will be crucial as we continue to grow with both rigor and heart.”

Looking Forward

As the VIA Institute of Character embarks on this new journey, the community eagerly anticipates the innovative strategies and initiatives led by Ashwani Dhar. His expertise and vision aim to enhance VIA’s reach and impact, ensuring that the conversation around character strengths continues to evolve and inspire. The VIA Institute stands committed to helping individuals uncover their strengths, thereby contributing to a more resilient and interconnected world.

In conclusion, Ashwani Dhar’s leadership is expected to fortify the foundational principles of the VIA Institute while guiding it towards a future rich with promise and potential. The insights derived from the VIA Survey and the emphasis on human flourishing will continue to light the way for individuals, organizations, and communities alike, solidifying the Institute’s legacy in character strengths science.

The VIA Institute on Character is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and, since its inception, has been dedicated to advancing knowledge and application in the field, making character strengths the focus of personal and collective growth.