Dr. Henry Mack Unanimously Appointed as Florida’s Commissioner of Education by State Board of Education
July 22, 2026
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Dr. Henry Mack Unanimously Appointed as Florida’s Commissioner of Education by State Board of Education
Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – Today, the State Board of Education (SBOE) unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Henry Mack to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Education. The appointment follows Governor Ron DeSantis' recommendation to the SBOE and continues Florida's commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.
Dr. Mack currently serves as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor. In this role, he oversees the Department’s Employment and Training Administration. He previously served as Senior Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, leading the Divisions of Florida Colleges, Career and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Florida Department of Education's Office of Workforce Education and Economic Alignment, and the Commission for Independent Education. Dr. Mack has also served as a Provost, a Vice President and as a Chief Innovation Officer.
As Commissioner, Dr. Mack will lead the Florida Department of Education in advancing the state's nationally recognized education initiatives, supporting students, families, and educators, and continuing Florida's commitment to academic excellence, parental rights, workforce education, and expanding opportunities for student success.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected to serve as Florida's next Commissioner of Education,” said Dr. Henry Mack. “I am grateful to Governor DeSantis and the State Board of Education for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working alongside educators, parents, school leaders, and communities across Florida to build on our state's success. Together, we will continue maintaining high academic standards, supporting teachers, and putting students first in every decision we make.”
“It has been a privilege to serve Florida's students, families, and educators during this transition,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Paul O. Burns. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Mack back to the Florida Department of Education as our next Commissioner, and I am thrilled to work alongside him as we continue advancing Florida's nation-leading education agenda.”
“Today's appointment reflects Florida's continued commitment to educational excellence,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “Dr. Mack is a thoughtful, experienced leader who understands the importance of supporting teachers, empowering parents, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
“Florida's students deserve leaders who are committed to excellence and innovation,” said MaryLynn Magar, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education. “Henry Mack has consistently demonstrated that commitment, and I look forward to partnering with him to build on the incredible progress our state has made.”
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