Polk State College Names Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as its Sixth President 

The Polk State College District Board of Trustees named Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the institution’s sixth president on Wednesday, June 3, with a 5-0 vote. He will formally join Polk State on July 6, following Dr. Anne Kerr’s completion of service as interim president in June. 

This post was adapted from a press release by Polk State College. 

Anastasios Kamoutsas, currently Florida’s Commissioner of Education, was selected to lead Polk State College after a Presidential Search Committee named him its sole recommendation for the position. Kamoutsas rose to the top of more than 100 applicants in the national search. The Board also received numerous letters of recommendation from education leaders and public- and private-sector executives from across the state. 

Prior to the Board’s decision, Kamoutsas met with approximately 250 students, faculty, staff, and community members during meet-and-greet events at both the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses. Surveys were distributed to attendees, and the results reinforced the Committee’s endorsement and helped inform the Board’s decision. 

I am grateful for the overwhelming support from the District Board of Trustees, Presidential Search Committee, and College community. 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.

Stasi Kamoutsas, President of Polk State College

Experience to Lead

Kamoutsas has extensive experience in education and public service at the state and local levels. He has served as Commissioner of Education since 2025 and has held several leadership roles within the Florida Department of Education, including Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Chief Litigator, Assistant General Counsel, and Legislative Affairs. Additionally, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Ron DeSantis. Kamoutsas is also an experienced legal and policy professional; he earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University, and Associate of Arts in Political Science from Florida State University. 

After the Board announced its decision, key community stakeholders gathered with Board members for a reception and dinner. Throughout the day, Kamoutsas discussed his priorities, including workforce education, seamless articulation, and the importance of civil discourse. 

Strengthening Education in Polk

Kamoutsas also commented on Polk State’s strength as a leading institution for economic development in 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.

Stasi Kamoutsas

Unified Support

The Board was united in its approval of the new president. Vice Chair Greg Littleton, who could not attend Wednesday’s Board meeting, provided a strong letter of endorsement for Kamoutsas. Board member Ashley Bell Barnett, who participated remotely and could not vote, also voiced strong support for both Kamoutsas and the Board’s decision. 

“We are confident in Mr. Kamoutsas’s leadership, experience, and vision to move our College forward,” 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 who we support through the endeavors of our College.”