Zeke Perez Jr. serves as Policy Director at Complete College America, where he leads the development and advancement of state and federal policies designed to help more students complete college and close institutional performance gaps. Working across CCA and its national Alliance, Zeke helps translate research, evidence, and promising practices into actionable policy strategies that advance student success at the institutional, state, and federal levels.

Zeke brings more than a decade of nonpartisan education policy experience to his role. Before joining CCA, he served in progressively senior positions at Education Commission of the States, most recently as Assistant Policy Director. His research and analysis have addressed issues across the education continuum, including statewide longitudinal data systems, education governance, school and postsecondary campus safety, student health and wellness, and connections between education and workforce development. He has authored and contributed to policy reports, 50-state comparisons, and other resources that help leaders understand national trends and learn from approaches across states.

Zeke earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and public policy from the University of Denver. He brings a collaborative, practical approach to his work and a longstanding interest in how state and local leaders can turn research into meaningful policy change for students.

Contact Zeke