Jeff Melendez

Professional Profile

Dr. Jeff Melendez is the Founder and CEO of Zeal Education Group, a consulting firm committed to providing fresh solutions to education-industry challenges. Jeff's experience includes 25 years of public school service in high-performing districts throughout Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut, with six years in the role of superintendent. In addition to his K-12 experiences, Jeff has served as an Adjunct Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University for over a decade.

Beyond his direct work in schools, Jeff is also the founder and CEO of several for profit and non-profit organizations with missions to serve youth, leaders, and other organizations. These include leadnexus.org, a 501(c)3 organization which endeavors to provide coaching services to all school leaders at no cost. Jeff also actively serves on the advisory board to several Ed Tech companies.

Dr. Melendez is the co-author of a chapter entitled Design for Safety: Balancing Physical and Psychological Considerations in A New Language for School Design, edited by Prakash Nair, AIA and Dr. Parul Minas. 2023.

Jeff earned his M.A., Ed.M., and Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBTPS).

How Jeff Melendez Helps Zeal

Dr. Jeff Melendez helps shape Zeal’s practitioner-led approach across superintendent search, strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational improvement. Drawing on more than 25 years in public education, including service as a superintendent and adjunct professor, he connects district realities with clear strategy, trusted guidance, and practical implementation. His leadership ensures that Zeal brings every client an Outside View - Inside Perspective grounded in experience rather than theory.

Areas of Expertise

• Superintendent Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Instructional Coaching
• School Design & Safety
• Executive Leadership Coaching
• EdTech Advisory
• Community Engagement
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Higher Education (Adjunct Prof.)
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Family and Community Engagement

Superintendent search · Strategic planning · Leadership coaching · Safety and security audits