What the mission means to Matthew:
Our mission is fueled by the understanding that every baby has unlimited potential. By championing early development and supporting families, we create pathways for children to thrive, ensuring their earliest experiences shape a future filled with promise.
Professional background:
Matthew Melmed, JD, is the Executive Director of ZERO TO THREE, where he has established himself as an internationally recognized leader and tireless advocate for the health and development of babies and toddlers. Since 1995, he has championed the organization’s mission by uniting experts across diverse fields and translating early childhood development research into actionable resources and policies. Under his visionary leadership, ZERO TO THREE’s budget has grown more than 20-fold, enabling the organization to impact millions of parents, professionals and policymakers. In recognition of this transformative work, Worth Magazine named ZERO TO THREE one of “America’s 100 Best Charities.”
Before joining ZERO TO THREE, he was executive director of the Connecticut Association for Human Services. He began his career as a staff attorney for Connecticut Legal Services, advocating for underserved communities. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of S.U.N.Y. Binghamton with the highest academic honors, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo.
His career reflects an enduring dedication to creating a better future for young children and their families and includes leadership roles such as chairing the Board of Generations United, past Board Chair of the Food Research and Action Center and first elected Chair of the Children’s Leadership Council. He has been recognized with numerous honors, such as the Sonya Bemporad Award from the World Association of Infant Mental Health and the Simms/Mann Institute’s Whole Child “Visionary” Award.
Future vision:
Matthew envisions a world where every baby can reach their full potential through strong early connections and supportive environments. He is committed to advancing research-driven policies and practices that ensure infants and toddlers receive the care, education and family support essential for lifelong success. His leadership reflects a deep belief that investing in the earliest years lays the foundation for a more equitable, compassionate and prosperous society.
Please contact us if you’d like to request Matthew as a speaker. And visit our Speakers Bureau page to learn about many of our other subject matter experts.
