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Services Superintendent Searches Our nationwide team possesses a wealth of experience and a vast network of personal and professional relationships within the education sector, uniquely positioning us to assist Boards and school leaders in filling critical positions effectively. Recognizing the sensitive nature of roles like Superintendent and Head of School, our seasoned team of former superintendents brings invaluable insights and expertise to ensure a discreet and confidential search process. Their firsthand experience navigating the complexities of these high-stakes positions ensures that candidates are vetted thoroughly and selected with utmost care. Additionally, for specialized roles such as Director of Special Education and Finance, which present distinct challenges in recruitment, our extensive connections with state and national organizations prove invaluable. By leveraging these strategic partnerships, we can tap into a pool of highly qualified candidates, ensuring that your school or district secure leaders with the specialized skills and expertise required to drive success in these critical areas. Selecting Zeal Education Group for your superintendent or key personnel search unlocks a wealth of advantages anchored in unparalleled expertise, expansive network connectivity, and bespoke solutions tailored to your institution's distinct needs and values. Leveraging decades of industry insight and a deep-rooted understanding of educational dynamics, we specialize in orchestrating confidential, thorough searches that resonate with your organization's ethos and objectives. Our robust network and strategic alliances grant us access to a diverse and exceptional talent pool, streamlining the recruitment and vetting journey. Moreover, our steadfast commitment extends beyond the recruitment phase, encompassing ongoing support, professional development, and meticulously crafted entry and strategic plans to facilitate seamless leadership transitions and ensure sustained organizational excellence. Highlighted below are some key features and benefits encapsulated within our service offerings: Community Engagement: Collaborative efforts to identify and prioritize desired leadership characteristics through stakeholder engagement. Candidate Recruitment & Vetting: Comprehensive recruitment processes, including rigorous vetting to identify the most suitable candidates. Interview Facilitation: Seamless coordination and facilitation of interviews and selection processes. Contract Negotiation Assistance: Expert guidance in drafting employment contracts and facilitating salary negotiations, if required. Customized Entry Plan: Design and delivery of tailored entry plans to expedite leadership integration and impact. Strategic Planning Collaboration: Collaborative development and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. Executive Coaching: Up to 24 months of personalized executive coaching to nurture leadership capabilities and effectiveness. Unlimited Leadership Support: Access to continuous leadership support services, ensuring ongoing growth, alignment, and success. By entrusting Zeal Education Group with your leadership recruitment needs, you position your institution for transformative leadership, sustainable growth, and enduring success in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, a nd transp arency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Community Engagement Gain deep insights into what your community is saying Learn More Board Governance Training Function as a high-performing Board and Superintendent team Learn More Strategic Communications Ensure your most important messages are received Learn More Strategic Planning Develop a one-page plan that is actionable and impactful Learn More Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More

< Back Elissa Klein Associate Elissa Klein served as co-founder and Chief of Staff of ReGeneration Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization ranking #1 in Illinois and the top 4% nationally (Stanford CREDO, 2023). As Chief of Staff, Elissa led all non-instructional work, built the home office, and stewarded the leadership team and organizational strategy. Elissa began her work in Chicago supporting the turnaround of three Chicago International Charter Schools (CICS): CICS Avalon, CICS Basil, and CICS Washington Park. These schools ranked in the bottom 17% of Illinois in 2012, and in three years, ReGeneration's team increased student achievement to the top 39% of the state. By 2019, all three ranked in the U.S. News' top 10 for Illinois charter elementary schools. During that time, Elissa wrote applications and gained acceptance to Charter School Growth Fund and Charter Network Accelerator. She secured $5.5M in grants for ReGeneration's expansion and successfully authored a charter application. Elissa developed her passion for education helping to found Uncommon Schools’ Rochester Prep. She has taught with Citizen Schools in Boston, MA, and developed math assessments for Achievement Network. Elissa holds a B.A. from Williams College, an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the Broad Center , formerly an independent education institution now housed at Yale School of Management.

< Back Wheatley Moylan Associate Over the course of her 18 year career in the field of education, Wheatley Moylan has served in a variety of roles including teacher, staff developer, and education consultant. During her 15 years teaching secondary students in and around Detroit, Michigan, Wheatley’s desire to impact teaching and learning expanded. She was known for eagerly supporting student-led initiatives and coaching her colleagues on technological tools for improved learning outcomes. She fostered student groups from “The Dress Code Consultants” in a Detroit Charter school to the “Social Justice Club” in a public Warren high school. Her Spanish students petitioned and requested her to co-found the AP Spanish program. Together they created a course that had tripled in enrollment when she stepped away from the classroom a few years later. As a middle school teacher, she collaborated to create a foundational Spanish curriculum that was adopted districtwide. Wheatley was also tapped by the Chief Academic Officer to co-create the district’s technology curriculum for grades 6-8. A foundational resource for this was 21Things4Students, an ISTE-aligned online resource to help students improve their technology proficiency. Wheatley’s suggested edits earned her an invitation from the program’s creators to serve on their Advisory Team within the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) Association of Michigan. Wheatley also participated in Common Sense Media’s creation of Graphite, a site for teachers, as an EdTech Mentor and Beta Tester. As a consultant, she has coached and trained teachers and district staff across the United States and supported educators in other countries. She has designed courses and learning resources for classrooms, schools, and entire districts. To enhance her skills, Wheatley became a Google Certified Trainer, Microsoft Educator Trainer, and ISTE Certified Educator. To help Michigan’s schools address the teacher shortage, she has contributed to an innovative team focused on pathways for aspiring teachers of all education levels. Regardless of her role, Wheatley impacts learners, educational staff, and learning processes for the better and saves staff time and energy by creating learning tailored to their needs and goals. Wheatley received her BA in Spanish from the University of Michigan and studied at the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain during her undergraduate work. She holds a Professional Teaching Certificate in the state of Michigan for secondary Spanish, Technology, and Health as well as an MA in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

< Back Anna Wamack Associate Anna Wamack brings a unique blend of expertise in finance, human resources, and education to her role at Zeal Education Group. With a strong foundation in financial management and human resources, Anna has demonstrated her ability to navigate the complexities of both fields in an educational setting. Anna holds a BBA from Northwood University, an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana, and is furthering her education by pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University, underlining her commitment to growth and leadership in the education sector. As the Associate Superintendent of Facilities, Finance and Operations, Anna has balanced financial oversight with comprehensive human resource management, contributing to seamless and effective operations within the school district. Alongside these responsibilities, she has actively participated in various professional committees and initiatives, further enhancing her expertise and influence in the field. Anna's achievements extend beyond her primary role; she has been a key presenter on topics such as "9 Strategies for a Better Budget for Kids," demonstrating her commitment to fiscal responsibility and student-focused budgeting. Additionally, her involvement with the Michigan School Business Official's Finance Committee showcases her dedication to improving financial practices in education at a state level. Her leadership roles also include serving on the executive board for Saginaw Valley School Business Officials and the Education Advisory Committee for ASBO International. These positions reflect her broad reach and influence in educational finance and administration. In the HR sphere, Anna's accomplishments are particularly noteworthy. She has authored a published article in a professional HR magazine and co-authored a book on talent acquisition, highlighting her innovative approaches and thought leadership in human resources. These contributions underscore her growing impact in both the financial and HR aspects of educational administration. Anna's approach is characterized by her certification as a Human Resources Specialist and Chief Financial Officer, coupled with insights gained from the Dale Carnegie Course on Effective Communications and human Relations. This combination ensures that her strategies are both financially sound and people-focused. She is passionate about driving financial stability and creating enriching work environments in education. Anna was the recipient of the Michigan School Business Officials' School Business Official of the Year award in 2024.

< Back Mark Toback Senior Associate Dr. Mark Toback is an experienced educational leader with over two decades of experience managing organizational growth and transformation in school districts. Dr. Toback relishes any opportunity to collaboratively find solutions to the most difficult of organizational challenges. His expertise includes change management, team development, strategic planning, executive coaching, career and technical education, and school finance. He has considerable experience designing administrative systems and processes that lead to greater efficiency, positive change, and increased organizational effectiveness. Dr. Toback received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, his master's degree from William Paterson University, and his doctorate from Rutgers University, where he focused his research efforts on the correlation between leadership behaviors and capacity to lead significant organizational change initiatives. He is adept at building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement. Dr. Toback has implemented professional development initiatives to enhance school leadership, communication, and teamwork, improving overall performance. His strategic planning skills enable him to design long-term plans that align with the goals of schools and districts, focusing on operational efficiency and student outcomes. Dr. Toback also works closely with boards and senior leadership teams to develop actionable, data-driven plans. As an executive coach, Dr. Toback enhances leaders' performance, helping them understand their strengths and growth areas. His school finance expertise includes working as a school business administrator responsible for managing budgets, securing funding, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring resources maximize student achievement. Dr. Toback assisted numerous EdTech startups with understanding public school finance and the education marketplace.

< Back Michelle Brantner Senior Associate Michelle Brantner has been an educator for over 32 years having taught both middle and high school students as a Spanish teacher in a small rural district in upstate New York. After receiving two masters degrees, the second in Educational Administration, Michelle transitioned into leadership serving as High School Assistant Principal and High School Principal before transitioning to the superintendency where she has served for the past 14 years. Michelle has expertise in building positive school climate and culture through her work with school communities as a whole. She has played an integral role in developing new programs ranging from those designed to provide for students’ basic needs as well as those designed to inspire and provide broader and more diverse access to learning. Michelle has served as a member of the House of Delegates for the NYSCOSS for the past several years. She has been asked to speak at a women’s initiative conference highlighting ways that gender impacts leadership. She was also chosen by her peers to lead their local Chief School Officers group. In addition, Michelle teaches the Introduction to Leadership Course for the program partnership between OCM BOCES and SUNY Oswego, SUNY Cortland, LeMoyne and Syracuse University.

< Back Jennifer Walsh-Rurak Associate Dr. Jennifer Walsh-Rurak has spent over 20 years as an educational leader in public and private schools in rural, urban, suburban, and alternative settings at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition, she has worked as an adjunct graduate professor in the Educational Leadership department at St. Lawrence University. She earned her Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in Educational and Instructional Leadership from Northeastern University. Additionally, she has a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership/Administration and a Master of Science degree in Special Education both from Canisius College, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Exceptionalities from SUNY Cortland.

< Back Stephen Tracy Senior Associate Dr. Stephen Tracy believes that as educators, our first challenge is to inspire all students to work hard at the business of learning. As the saying goes, "if you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you!" Because learning is such a personal undertaking, our effectiveness in promoting engagement sets the stage for the achievement and school success that we all seek. As a member of the Board of Directors of the William Glasser Institute, Dr. Tracy supports educators in the use of Choice Theory to promote the motivation, relationships, positive school climate and effective leadership that enable all children to thrive. Dr. Tracy has extensive experience as a public education leader, having served as superintendent in a number of urban and suburban public school districts. He has also created several public schools of choice in the northeastern United States. He earned his undergraduate degree in public affairs from Princeton University, his master’s degree in teaching from Columbia University and his doctorate in educational leadership from Harvard University. As the father of a handicapped child, Dr. Tracy is a devoted advocate for the disabled and a longtime member of the Board of Directors of Ability Beyond. He is also a Board member for Healing the Children, a non-profit organization that delivers free medical care to children in need throughout the world.

< Back Richard Jones Associate With over 50 years in education, Dick is a passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE). He began his career as a high school agriculture teacher and has recently dedicated his work to integrating CTE with academic learning. As the co-author/editor of Synergizing Success (ACTE) and 15 other books on instruction and leadership, he continues to shape the future of education. Dick teaches graduate courses in Education Leadership at Lynn University and has worked with educators in all 50 states and internationally. A former New York State Education Department leader, he remains committed to school improvement, innovation, and lifelong learning. He has received his BS. M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University.

< Back Jordin Williams Associate Jordin Williams has dedicated her life to the field of sport and leadership development. She is a former collegiate athlete with 20 years of leadership experience within collegiate recreation and student affairs. Her professional career began in 2005 when she spent 4 years at Temple University within their collegiate recreation program. In 2009 she went to Delaware State University where she has been able to build a leading HBCU campus recreation department that offers a comprehensive student staff development program that prepares and consistently places students in career positions across the country. Jordin brings a unique and diverse array of skills within the higher education spectrum. Ms. Williams brings specialized expertise in the areas of collegiate recreation, student leadership development, sport facility operations, and strategic planning and assessment. She has over 10 years of experience serving on both the Title IX and DEI committees, and has served as Chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee, Chair of the Student Affairs Strategic Planning; Assessment Committee, and lead instructor for the University Customer Service Initiative. Ms. Williams is a transformational leader who believes any team can be made stronger through effective leadership and communication of a shared vision. She views her current position as Executive Director of Wellness and Recreation as a true blessing and privilege that provides her the opportunity to use sport as a way to prepare students for success in life. She has been recognized many times over the years by receiving awards and leadership positions such as Risk Manager of the Year, Student Affairs Vice Presidents Award, National Intramural Sports Association (NIRSA) Founders Award, Co-Chair of NIRSA HBCU Taskforce, Campus Rec Magazine Expert Covid-19 Panelist, and the Matrix Project COURAGE Leadership Team. Jordin earned a BA in Business Management and an MS in Sport Administration from Indiana University of PA. She is a 2014 Leadership Central Delaware graduate and a 2022 Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

< Back Paul Gausman Senior Associate Dr. Paul Gausman serves as Superintendent Emeritus for Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska. He joined LPS in 2022, leading the state’s second-largest and rapidly growing district through post-pandemic recovery and into a period of innovation and expansion. During his tenure, the district’s graduation rate rose from 82% to 87%, preschool access expanded significantly, and major initiatives around career education, school safety, and staff retention were successfully launched. He also helped raise over $2.5 million for student-athletic facilities and led the development of the district’s Strategic Plan through 2029. Before Lincoln, Dr. Gausman served for 14 years as superintendent of Sioux City Community School District in Iowa, where the graduation rate exceeded 90%, and the district earned national recognition for initiatives in early learning, career academies, and digital learning. He was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2014 and was a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year in 2018. His leadership was also featured in the national documentary Bully , reflecting his commitment to school safety and anti-bullying efforts. Dr. Gausman holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas and multiple advanced degrees in education and music. Nationally respected, he served as president of the Urban Superintendents Association of America and has remained deeply engaged in advocacy, community partnerships, and innovation in public education.

< Back Stephanie Bell Associate Dr. Stephanie Bell has been an educator for almost 30 years having taught both general and special education students throughout grades PS-5. She has also held administrative positions in both public and private institutions for the past 11 years, where she currently serves as an Elementary Principal in a high-performing district in Westchester County, New York. Stephanie is a published author on topics such as project-based learning and diversity and is a sought after speaker and presenter at regional and national conferences. She is also an adjunct professor of education, teaching courses in early childhood, literacy and reading disorders. Dr. Bell earned a dual masters degree in elementary and special education from Manhattanville college and a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Western Connecticut State University.