orlando melendez
About
Dynamic and visionary sports executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in elite athletic development, event management, sports education, and global brand representation. As a former Harlem Globetrotter and NCAA Division I basketball athlete at UNC Chapel Hill, I bring a unique combination of elite performance, cultural ambassadorship,
Experience
Executive Director
Jan 2023 - Present
• Spearhead strategic initiatives to expand the academy's influence in educational markets, focusing on partnerships with secondary schools, higher education institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Designed and executed market development strategies that increased student enrollment by 15% and funding by 30%.
• Led the academy’s reaffirmation a
Director of Sports and Recreation
Jan 2020 - Jan 2022
Led strategic planning, budgeting, and daily operations for 319 municipal sports and recreation facilities across Ponce.
• Increased youth program participation by 22% through equitable access initiatives and expansion of community programs.
• Implemented data-driven systems to optimize scheduling and resource allocation.
Enviromental services manager 3
Jan 2010 - Jan 2013
Developed global outreach programs promoting education and social equity across 74 countries.
• Delivered presentations at global events and represented the organization’s mission internationally.
• Served as the first Puerto Rican player in the team’s 100-year history.
Advanced Ambassador
Aug 2008 - Apr 2019
Developed global outreach programs promoting education and social equity across 74 countries.
• Delivered presentations at global events and represented the organization’s mission internationally.
• Served as the first Puerto Rican player in the team’s 100-year history.
Education
History
- Bachelors
Aug 1997 - Jun 2001
Was an honor to earned my degree from one of the nation’s top public universities, balancing rigorous academics with athletic excellence as a scholarship student-athlete for the Tar Heels Men’s Basketball program. UNC shaped my leadership philosophy emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and community impact.
