Commissioner Mack Announces Changes in Leadership to Strengthen Collaboration and Break Down Silos

September 4, 2026

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Commissioner Mack Announces Changes in Leadership to Strengthen Collaboration and Break Down Silos

Tallahassee, Fla., September 4, 2026 - Today, Commissioner Henry Mack announced several leadership and organizational changes designed to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, break down silos, and further advance Florida's commitment to excellence in education and workforce development. These changes reflect the Department's continued focus on serving Florida students, families, and educators.

"As Florida continues to lead the nation in education, our organizational structure must support effective collaboration, informed decision-making, and exceptional service to Florida's students, adult learners, families, and education leaders and lawmakers," said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. "These talented leaders bring extensive experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a shared vision for educational excellence and freedom. I am honored to welcome these leaders to drive impact and deliver on the education and economic agenda of the Governor."

Senior Chancellor, Dr. Paul O. Burns has been promoted and will now oversee all of the Department's program offices and divisions: Florida Colleges, Career, Technical and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Commission for Independent Education, the Division of Public Schools, Safe Schools, School Choice, and Early Learning. This organizational alignment is intended to strengthen coordination across Florida's PK-20 education and workforce systems. Paul joined the Department in 2018 as Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality, bringing with him nearly 20 years of education experience. In January 2023, he became the Chancellor of Public Schools, where he supported the teaching and learning of Florida's nearly 2.8 million students. He was elevated to the role of Senior Chancellor in August 2024. He is honored to continue serving students, families and educators throughout Florida. Paul earned his doctorate from Saint Louis University.

Flannery Sloan has been appointed Chief of Staff for the Department. Flannery brings experience in organizational leadership, project management, and interagency collaboration. As Chief of Staff, she will serve as the Commissioner's principal advisor, overseeing and coordinating all departmental functions, workplans, and communications, and aid in the advancement of the state's education policy agenda.

Prior to joining the Department, Flannery served at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she held roles in Congressional Affairs and the Employment and Training Administration, and previously worked at Turning Point Action. She holds a bachelor's degree in civic and economic thought and leadership from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

Katerina Maroney has been named Chancellor for the Division of Early Learning. Kat has dedicated more than 20 years of her professional career to advancing opportunities and outcomes for Florida's youngest learners and will continue leading efforts that support high-quality early childhood education across the state. Since 2005, Kat has served in various roles at the Department and in the Division of Early Learning, most recently as the Deputy Director of Programs and Policy.

Steven Koncar will assume a new role as Chief Strategy and Policy Officer. In this position, he will oversee the Department's Office of Legislative Affairs, and the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement. Steven most recently served as chief of staff at the Department. Prior to the Department, Steven held various roles across state and federal government. Steven holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School.

Dr. Jay Menees has been named Vice Chancellor of Research and Policy, a position that will coordinate research efforts and strengthen the use of data to inform policy decisions across all Divisions. Dr. Menees will be responsible for driving the modernization of the Department's research functions, oversee integration of data with other agencies, such as Florida Commerce, and drive innovation for a more informed, user-friendly approach to data quality and transparency. Dr. Menees holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration and policy from the University of Florida, and most recently served as a Senior Policy Director for higher education and the economy at the America First Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Travis Jordan has been named as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Department. The position expands upon the Department's communications function to support stakeholder engagement, public awareness and communication initiatives as Florida continues to expand educational choices and workforce opportunities. Travis brings more than 15 years of experience leading marketing and communications efforts across higher education, state government and economic development. He previously held senior leadership roles at Emory University, Miami Dade College, Western Carolina University and Enterprise Florida, and served in a statewide marketing leadership role with the Florida Department of Education. Travis holds a master's degree in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University. Cassie Edwards, who has served as Director of Communications, will remain with the Department as the Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Suzanne Pridgeon has been promoted to Chief Operations and Financial Officer. Suzanne brings years of experience in education finance and operations. Since 2000, she has served the Department as a team member and leader in various capacities and as the Deputy Commissioner since 2019. She will continue to direct and supervise legislative and operating budgets, the Public Education Capital Outlay budget, the Florida Education Finance Program allocations, student financial aid and assume oversight of all budgets and operations for all offices and divisions within the Department. She will also continue to oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of the Department including, but not limited to, personnel, accounting functions, general services, purchasing and procurement, and emergency management. Suzanne brings professionalism, as well as financial and accounting knowledge and experience to her expanded leadership position in the Department.

Additional information about the Department's leadership team is available at: https://www.fldoe.org/about-us/leadership-team.stml.