Nocatee, Florida — The State Board of Education voted unanimously on July 22 to appoint Dr. Henry Mack as Florida's next Commissioner of Education, acting on a recommendation from Governor Ron DeSantis. The vote, taken at a meeting in Orlando, places Mack at the head of the Florida Department of Education.
Mack is currently the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, where he oversees the Employment and Training Administration. His appointment returns him to the Florida agency where he previously served as Senior Chancellor, a role in which he led divisions covering the state college system, career and adult education, vocational rehabilitation and blind services, among others. His resume also includes stints as a provost, a vice president and a chief innovation officer.
"It is an incredible honor to be selected to serve as Florida's next Commissioner of Education. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis and the State Board of Education for their confidence in me." — Dr. Henry Mack
State education officials welcomed the selection. Interim Commissioner Paul O. Burns said he was glad to see Mack return to the department, and board chair Ryan Petty described him as an experienced leader focused on teachers, parents and student outcomes. According to the department's announcement, Mack will be responsible for carrying forward the state's education agenda, including its emphasis on academic standards, workforce education and parental rights.
