Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday recommended Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas to serve as Florida’s next education commissioner, positioning a longtime aide and former department counsel to lead the state’s top education agency.

The move comes after Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. was tapped to serve as interim president of the University of West Florida. Kamoutsas, who has served as deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office since 2023, previously held multiple senior roles at the Florida Department of Education, including general counsel and chief of staff.

Kamoutsas joined the department in 2019 as part of its legal team and later helped oversee policy implementation across several of the governor’s priority areas, including education, law enforcement and emergency management. His appointment requires confirmation by the State Board of Education.

“Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education,” said Gov. DeSantis. “I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education, and I thank Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. for his dedicated and productive service.”

In a statement, Kamoutsas said he was honored by the governor’s support and committed to maintaining the department’s focus on student success.

“I’m honored to have the trust and support of Governor Ron DeSantis to be Florida’s Commissioner of Education,” said Kamoutsas. “Under my tenure, the Florida Department of Education will remain committed to student safety and success, empowering parents, and supporting teachers. I look forward to working with the State Board of Education to ensure that Florida remains the education state.”

A graduate of Florida International University, Kamoutsas holds a law degree from Regent University.