Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D.
Author - Behavioralist - Educator - Leader

---

Dr. Robert F. DeFinis is an accomplished educator, executive leader, and performance strategist who has spent more than two decades working with children, athletes, coaches, teams, and organizations to turn potential into measurable success. Known for translating optimal performance strategies into real-world results, he brings a uniquely diverse background spanning education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavioral science. His work has earned recognition from organizations such as SmartCEO™ and the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal.

A native of Montgomery County, just outside of Philadelphia, Dr. DeFinis holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University and a Master of Education from Chestnut Hill College. He is a committed lifelong learner, having earned numerous advanced certifications, including Graduate Certificates in Data Science from Johns Hopkins University and Ethical Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, as well as certification in Abnormal Psychology from Wesleyan University. In addition, he is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam) and holds a Project Management certification from IBM. This multidisciplinary expertise enables him to integrate data, leadership, and human behavior into innovative, results-driven solutions.

A passionate advocate for educational access and equity, Dr. DeFinis is a Certified Human Rights Consultant through the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights. His work focuses on addressing global barriers to education, including poverty, conflict, discrimination, and the digital divide. In 2026, he was selected as a Fulbright Scholar Specialist, serving in Sri Lanka where he led the initiative “Bridge to Success: Building Skills for Tomorrow’s Leaders.” Through this work, he traveled across the country delivering lectures, workshops, and mentorship to students, educators, and business professionals, leaving a lasting impact on leadership development and workforce readiness.
​
Dr. DeFinis continues to share his expertise as a lecturer and educator in the behavioral sciences. He is also an entrepreneur and thought leader, serving as the founder of Total Optimal Performance Solutions (TOPS) and RDF Books, and co-founder of the Center for Teaching Excellence – Online. As an author, he has written The Hero Teacher, Gen-eXceptional, and a series of children’s books that address contemporary social and educational issues.

Throughout his career, Dr. DeFinis has held executive leadership roles, including president, executive director, and vice president, within both academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. He has also demonstrated a deep commitment to service through his work on numerous boards of directors, including Reading Recycled, Teach Rwanda, Team Children, THANKS Society, and The Asherah Foundation. In 2020, he was appointed Chair of the Saint Mary Catholic School Board of Limited Jurisdiction in Spring Mount, Pennsylvania.
​
A strong advocate for innovation and quality in education, Dr. DeFinis currently serves on the advisory board of Rural Literacy Solutions in Ghana, supporting efforts to expand literacy and digital access in underserved communities. He remains actively engaged in the broader professional community as a member of the Association of American Educators, the Association of Leadership Educators, and the International Leadership Association.

​Areas of expertise, interest, and research:
Applied Ethics
Board Development
​Behavioral Psychology
Children’s Literature
Contemporary Issues
Criminal Justice
Educational Theory
Emotional Intelligence
Game Theory
​Gamification
Leadership Studies
Nonprofit Leadership
Personality Traits
Workforce Development

Total Optimal Performance Solutions (TOPS)

---

Total Optimal Performance Solutions (TOPS) assists organizations in achieving peak performance through scientifically validated methods. Dr. DeFinis offers custom programs through consultation to meet the client's needs. There is no “one size fits all” approach to improving an organization's overall performance. For more information about what Dr. DeFinis can do for your organization, please contact him directly. Initial consultations are always FREE and worth the call!​

RDF Books, Projects and Community Engagement

---

Dr. DeFinis writes and publishes children’s books focusing on “Helping Children Find Their Way!” Whether it’s contemporary issues children are navigating or simply trying to learn a new concept, these books help children and parents explore the opportunities that exist when we think creatively and apply our talents.

In addition, he has spent over two decades of service in the nonprofit space with organizations focused on childhood literacy, workforce development, and educational opportunities.

Fulbright Specialist 

---

In 2026, Dr. DeFinis was selected to serve as a Fulbright Scholar Specialist in Sri Lanka. His project, “Bridge to Success: Building Skills for Tomorrow’s Leaders,” took him around the country lecturing, coaching, and mentoring students, teachers, and business professionals.

© drdefinis.com 2026 | All Rights Reserved