Polk State College’s Presidential Search Committee has recommended Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the finalist to become the college’s sixth president.
The committee made the recommendation Tuesday after completing a national search that drew more than 100 applications from candidates across the country, according to the college. Kamoutsas, who has served as Florida’s education commissioner since July 2025, is scheduled to visit Polk State on June 3 for meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff and community members. T
he Polk State College District Board of Trustees is expected to consider the recommendation later that day during its regular meeting at 4 p.m. at the Polk State Center for Public Safety.
The recommendation does not immediately make Kamoutsas the college’s next president. Final approval rests with the board of trustees.
“Anastasios distinguished himself as an inspiring, diligent, and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Polk State College. We are confident that he possesses the experience, character and leadership necessary to guide Polk State into the future,” said Presidential Search Committee chairman Steve Lester.
Kamoutsas has held several senior roles at the Florida Department of Education, including chief of staff, general counsel, chief litigator, assistant general counsel and legislative affairs. He also previously served as deputy chief of staff for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Before working in state government, Kamoutsas was staff counsel for the Dade County Police Benevolent Association and an assistant state attorney in the Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney.
“I am thankful to the search committee for naming me the sole finalist to become Polk State College’s next president” Kamoutsas said. “Florida College System institutions play a critical role in preparing students for in-demand, high-wage positions. During my time as Commissioner, I have proudly touted their incredible outcomes as they serve more than 680,000 students across the state and provide more than 130,000 degrees and certifications each year. It is an honor to be blessed with this opportunity, and I am excited to contribute to that work in a new capacity while continuing to support strong partnerships between K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.”
