Polk State College District Board of Trustees announced Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sixth president of Polk State College by a 5-0 vote this week. Kamoutsas, currently Florida's Commissioner of Education, will take over for Interim President Anne Kerr beginning on July 6.
"We are confident in Mr. Kamoutsas's leadership experience and vision moving forward," Polk State Board Chair Ann Barnhart said. "We look forward to the difference he will make in the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and community members, whom we support through the endeavors of our College."
Kamoutsas has served as Commissioner of Education since June 2025. He has also served in other roles within the Department of Education, including Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Chief Litigator, Assistant General Counsel and Legislative Affairs.
In addition, Commissioner Kamoutsas served as deputy chief of staff for Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2023 to 2025.
Commissioner Kamoutsas's selection comes after he was recommended as a finalist from over 100 applications by the Polk State College Presidential Search Committee in May. Polk State is located in Winter Haven.
Kamoutsas thanked the school for the selection.
"I am grateful for the overwhelming support from the District Board of Trustees, Presidential Search Committee and College community," Kamoutsas said. "I am committed to building on Polk State's strong foundation and ensuring that we continue to meet the growing workforce demands of Polk County."
“Polk State is a top economic engine for this community, and we will provide the highest level of academics and services that fulfill our College’s mission and uphold Polk State’s vision of serving as the top choice for higher education and workforce training in the State of Florida," Kamoutsas added.
Raised in Miami, Kamoutsas graduated from Miami Springs High School and with a bachelor's degree in political science from Florida International University. He later earned his law degree from Regent University School of Law.
