Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack announced several leadership and organizational changes to strengthen collaboration and efficiency in the agency's ongoing commitment to education and workforce development.
“As Florida continues to lead the nation in education, our organizational structure must support effective collaboration, informed decision-making, and exceptional service to Florida’s students, adult learners, families, and education leaders and lawmakers,” Mack said. “These talented leaders bring extensive experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a shared vision for educational excellence and freedom. I am honored to welcome these leaders to drive impact and deliver on the education and economic agenda of the Governor.”
The changes include:
Senior Chancellor, Dr. Paul O. Burns: Promoted to all of the Education Department's offices and divisions, including Florida Colleges, Career, Technical and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Commission for Independent Education, the Division of Public Schools, Safe Schools, School Choice, and Early Learning. Burns has been with the department since 2018 and holds nearly 20 years of education experience.
Flannery Sloan: Chief of Staff. Sloan previously worked at the U.S. Department of Labor and at Turning Point Action.
Katerina Maroney: Chancellor for the Division of Early Learning. Maroney has been with the department since 2005, including as Deputy Director of Programs and Policy.
Steven Koncar: Chief Strategy and Policy Officer. Koncar previously served as chief of staff for the department and has held various state and government roles.
Dr. Jay Menees: Vice Chancellor of Research and Policy. Menees recently worked as a Senior Policy Director for higher education and the economy at the America First Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.
Travis Jordan: Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Jordan holds more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications efforts for higher education.
Suzanne Pridgeon: Chief Operations and Financial Officer. Pridgeon has been with the department since 2000, including the last seven years as Deputy Commissioner.
Mack was appointed Florida Education Commissioner in July. He took over the permanent position from Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, who stepped down earlier to become president at Polk State College.
