Meet the President

Anastasio “Stasi” Kamoutsas was unanimously selected as Polk State College’s sixth President and serves as a visionary leader with a deep passion for expanding opportunity, supporting student success, ensuring workforce readiness and creating seamless educational pathways.

Previously serving as Florida’s 29th Commissioner of Education, Kamoutsas championed statewide initiatives that broadened access to high-quality education and strengthened the bridges between learning and meaningful careers. He has worked tirelessly to ensure Florida’s students can pursue their dreams while meeting the needs of a dynamic and growing economy. His leadership has consistently focused on removing barriers, fostering innovation and aligning education with real-world opportunities.

A proud Miami native, Kamoutsas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University and his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law. He began his professional career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, followed by service as Counsel to the Dade County Police Benevolent Association. He is a former member of the Cuban American Bar Association, Dade County Bar Association, League of Prosecutors, Florida Bar Education Law Committee and Florida Bar Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

In 2019, he joined the Florida Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel, rising quickly to General Counsel and then Chief of Staff. He later served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, guiding policy across education, law enforcement and emergency management. He is currently Chairman of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee for the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. Throughout these roles, Kamoutsas has remained driven by a core belief that education is the most powerful catalyst for personal transformation and community prosperity.

Following a national search that drew more than 100 applicants, Polk State’s Presidential Search Committee selected Kamoutsas as its sole recommendation. Strong feedback from students, faculty, staff and community members – along with numerous letters of recommendation from education leaders and executives across the state – solidified the Committee’s confidence. The Polk State District Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed Kamoutsas.

At Polk State College, Kamoutsas oversees the largest-serving institution of higher education and workforce training in Polk County. He is committed to advancing bold workforce education initiatives, ensuring seamless articulation to universities and careers and cultivating a campus culture rooted in civil discourse, respect and intellectual growth. Under his leadership, Polk State will continue to empower students to discover their purpose and achieve their goals, enriching lives, strengthening families and driving economic vitality across Polk County, the State of Florida and beyond.