Florida
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack Nomination Announced by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday recommended a former Florida Department of Education official now serving as President Donald Trump’s assistant secretary of labor to lead Florida’s education administration. That official is Henry Mack. The recommendation comes in advance of a Florida…
Last updated:
Key points
- Governor DeSantis has recommended Henry Mack for the Florida Department of Education commissioner position.
- Mack has extensive experience in education and has served as an assistant secretary of labor under Trump.
- If approved, Mack would be the fourth commissioner during DeSantis’s term, focusing on aligning education with workforce needs.
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.
Florida Board of Education to Review Upcoming Appointment
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.
Background and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Responsibilities
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.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Jay Waagmeester originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
Related: Okaloosa Correctional Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges
Related: Pensacola Navigates Major Road Projects, Summer Storms, and Growth Decisions Across Escambia County
Related: Immigration Enforcement Rules Near Schools Highlight Florida’s Anti-Sanctuary Standards
See a typo? Report it here.
