DeSantis Nominates Henry Mack for Florida Education Commissioner Role

NewsWK — Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward the name of Henry Mack, a former administrator with the Florida Department of Education, to take the helm of the state’s education agency. This decision precedes an upcoming Florida Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, where Mack’s appointment will be considered.

Mack, who is currently serving as the assistant secretary of labor under former President Donald Trump, would assume the role with just six months remaining in DeSantis’s term if approved by the board, which is appointed by the governor. Following DeSantis’s departure from office, it is anticipated that the incoming governor will nominate a new commissioner.

The position became vacant earlier this month when Anastasios Kamoutsas resigned to take on the presidency of Polk State College. In the interim, Paul Burns, the Senior Chancellor, has been overseeing the department.

Henry Mack has significant experience in education, having worked in the Florida Department of Education from 2019 to 2023 as a chancellor with a focus on colleges and career education. He also served as provost at Northwest Florida State College for a year. His federal appointment came after a Senate confirmation in December.

Expressing his commitment to education in Florida, Mack stated, “I am ready to bring that integrated vision home to serve Florida’s students, parents, and teachers and strengthen our workforce and economy,” adding that he has worked to align educational systems with workforce needs.

If his nomination is confirmed, Mack would be the fourth commissioner to serve during DeSantis’s administration, including two interim leaders. DeSantis praised Mack, highlighting their shared commitment to parental rights, school choice, and preparing students for future success.