“Make a Difference.”
Melissa Cook is a transformative executive whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to harnessing technology to improve education and empower organizations for sustainable growth. With more than thirty-three years of professional experience, Melissa has built her reputation as a forward-thinking leader who thrives at the intersection of educational technology, artificial intelligence, and business strategy. Her career is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a genuine desire to help others succeed, whether through guiding students on their K-12 journey or leading companies through complex technology transformations.
From her earliest days in product marketing at Jostens Learning Corporation to her current role as Chief Product Officer at TouchMath®, Melissa has consistently demonstrated her ability to anticipate change and lead with vision. She began her career with a passion for learning and product development, gaining expertise in shaping digital learning content and advancing instructional design. Over the years, she has taken this passion and elevated it into executive leadership, spearheading strategic product overhauls and pioneering SaaS and AI integrations long before they became industry norms. Her journey illustrates not only her professional growth but also her unwavering focus on making education more accessible, personalized, and impactful.
Melissa’s long tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Curriculum Advantage/Classworks stands as one of the most defining chapters of her career. Over two decades, she oversaw the transformation of legacy software into a modern Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Special Education platform that directly impacted students across the country. She spearheaded a product redesign that integrated evidence-based practices with user-friendly interfaces, ensuring that teachers and students alike could leverage the power of technology in meaningful ways. Her foresight in embedding generative AI into the platform marked a revolutionary shift in personalized learning, underscoring her role as a pioneer in educational technology.
Beyond her contributions to product innovation, Melissa is also recognized for her skill in driving business transformation. At Classworks, she successfully guided the company from a traditional license-based sales model into a dynamic Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) structure, unlocking new avenues for scalability and customer engagement. This transition not only positioned the company for long-term success but also highlighted Melissa’s unique ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic business acumen. Her leadership approach has always been holistic—looking at products, people, processes, and long-term vision as interdependent elements of organizational success.
Her leadership impact extended further during the acquisition and integration of Classworks with TouchMath®. As Senior Vice President of Classworks during this transition, Melissa played a pivotal role in aligning two powerful brands into a unified entity that could better serve students with diverse learning needs. Now, as Chief Product Officer at TouchMath®, she continues to bring thought leadership, innovation, and operational excellence to the forefront. Her ability to see both the macro picture of industry evolution and the micro details of product execution enables her to craft solutions that are not only functional but transformative.
Melissa’s influence extends well beyond the organizations she has directly served. She has been recognized for her contributions to technology and leadership, earning a nomination as Woman of the Year in Technology in Atlanta. She has shared her insights and passion through webinars, conferences, and public speaking engagements, where her approachable style and deep expertise resonate with diverse audiences. From webinars with CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Education) to past and upcoming keynote sessions at national conferences, Melissa consistently inspires others by blending practical guidance with visionary thinking.
Her personal mission has always been centered around helping others. Whether mentoring colleagues, guiding organizations through growth and exit strategies, or championing students’ educational journeys, Melissa’s career reflects her belief in the power of technology to improve lives. She has often described her role not just as an executive but as a change agent—someone who is willing to challenge perspectives, reimagine strategies, and open doors for others. Her global perspective, sharpened through years of leadership in evolving industries, adds depth to her ability to advise companies preparing for transformation or equity events.
Outside of her professional achievements, Melissa is deeply passionate about her community and personal pursuits. She is an avid reader who draws inspiration from literature, a tennis enthusiast, and a dedicated sports fan. Her personal interests keep her grounded and connected, while her professional commitments reflect her relentless drive to contribute meaningfully. She has also aligned her values with causes that matter deeply to her, including children’s education and poverty alleviation, reinforcing her belief that leadership should always have a human-centered purpose.
Educationally, Melissa built her foundation at the University of Southern California, where she studied American English. This academic background gave her both analytical skills and communication expertise, which have been instrumental in her ability to articulate vision, inspire teams, and develop compelling product narratives. Over the years, she has continued to build on this foundation, cultivating a rich skill set in product planning, digital content, strategic partnerships, and leadership development.
Now at a pivotal point in her journey, Melissa is actively seeking to expand her influence through board and advisory roles. With her team having recently sold their company, she is eager to contribute her experience to new ventures, particularly those navigating growth, technology transformation, or market expansion. She sees this as both a continuation of her lifelong mission and an opportunity to give back to industries that have shaped her career. For Melissa, serving on boards is not about titles—it is about making a measurable difference in how companies adapt, thrive, and impact society.
Character:
Melissa embodies integrity, empathy, and resilience, qualities that have guided her through every phase of her career. She is driven by a genuine passion for helping others, whether they are students, colleagues, or the organizations she serves. Her leadership is rooted in trust and a strong sense of responsibility to both people and purpose.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience, Melissa brings unparalleled expertise in educational technology, product development, and strategic business transformation. She has led companies through SaaS transitions, AI integrations, and market expansions, always with an eye toward long-term sustainability. Her depth of knowledge allows her to anticipate industry trends and provide actionable insights for organizations seeking growth.
Strategic:
Melissa excels at crafting forward-looking strategies that balance innovation with execution. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to identify opportunities for transformation, from guiding companies into SaaS models to integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities. Her strategic mindset ensures that organizations under her leadership are not only prepared for change but positioned to thrive in it.
Communication:
As a natural communicator, Melissa has the rare ability to connect vision with action. Her background in English and her extensive public speaking engagements allow her to articulate complex ideas in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether leading a team, presenting to stakeholders, or engaging with broader communities, she communicates with clarity, authenticity, and inspiration.
