"Lead Where You Stand was life-changing. It put so much into perspective for me as a leader."

~ April 2022 Virtual Conference Participant

~ Testimonials ~

"Dr. Gonzalez provided great personal examples of theory put into practice."

"I found the presentation very helpful and useful. I hope to be able to implement some of these ideas within our program."

"Dr. Gonzalez is a real-life example of engaging with students."

"I was able to interview him. His visionary and practical leadership remind me of Steve Jobs!"

"Our staff has been talking about his Perseverance Walk for months! We need to get our students involved like that!"

Dr. Ronald Gonzalez  

Distinguished Administrator/International Speaker/Transformational Leader/

Executive Mentor/Lead Evaluator/Coach

Dr. Ronald Gonzalez is a lifelong educator and learner that has served as Superintendent of Schools for the Elmsford Union Free School District. Under his leadership the district worked to embrace inquisitive minds, develop critical thinkers, build open communication, instill a willingness to share & build selflessness within and among all stakeholders. 

Other roles held include Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Equity for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. The Tarrytowns services over 2,900 students from two villages; Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, NY. Prior to this post he led transformation efforts at Mount Vernon High School for 11 years. His visionary leadership led to improvements in student performance, stability for staff, and several family & community awards. Understanding the need for schools to leverage change he launched and now serves as President & CEO for Lead Where You Stand Corporation, a mentoring and leadership development consulting group.

Dr. Gonzalez recognizes the power of collaboration and endorses both empowerment and accountability equally and emphatically. His collaborative efforts reach well beyond the walls of his institution. As a mentor, Dr. Gonzalez services doctoral students, principals, assistant principals, teacher leaders, and teachers. As a speaker, Dr. Gonzalez has engaged both educational and corporate entities across the country and internationally helping to build systems, awareness and action related to equity and school success and student/stakeholder empowerment.

Dr. Gonzalez believes in equity and access. As such, he applied and successfully navigated the implementation of the International Baccalaureate World School Diploma Program with open enrollment for all students. In his current role he chairs the district’s equity and strategic planning work. As a visionary, Dr. Gonzalez led the expansion of several Career & Technical Education courses including culinary arts, a horticultural seed to table program, barbering, and certified nursing assistant. 

His doctoral research focused on the impact of educational seat time for Black/African American Students and Economically Disadvantaged Students. As a practitioner and researcher, the in-depth analysis of New York State data helped him to make strategic decisions for implementation as well as inform schools how to align attendance and suspension data with academic metrics. Prior to obtaining an Educational Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College he earned a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Manhattan College. While at Manhattan College on a Division I track & field scholarship he set a school record in the men’s pentathlon and won several indoor and outdoor conference championships and All-East Honors in the men’s triple jump.

Ron is a proud husband and father of three children. He recognizes the sacrifices of his parents -growing up with a single mother, meanwhile seeing the resolute work his father exemplified helped to shape the perseverance he exemplifies. 

Awards/Recognitions

2019 New York State Assembly Proclamation - outstanding service to the education community

2019 Westchester County Proclamation – November 26, 2019 as “Ronald Gonzalez Day”

2019 City of Mounty Proclamation and Resolution – outstanding service and leadership 

2019 Distinguished Service Award – Manhattan College Department of Kinesiology

2016 NYS Administrator of the Year – ESSAA – Region 2 (RASA)

2015 New York State Assembly Proclamation –  dedicated service to a high needs school district

2015 Westchester County Proclamation – June 15, 2015 as “Ronald Gonzalez Day”

2015 City of Mount Vernon Citation – first tenured principal in over 15 years