Manny Diaz, Jr. is a lifelong educator, having begun his career in education teaching social studies and coaching baseball in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system in 1994. He then served as an assistant principal from 2007 to 2013 until becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Doral College. Governor Diaz was appointed Commissioner of Education by the Florida State Board of Education effective June 1, 2022. Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Governor Diaz served with distinction in the Florida Legislature, first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he quickly became known as an expert and champion of education. In 2018, Governor Diaz was elected to the Florida Senate where he served as Chairman of the Education Committee. During his legislative career, he sponsored numerous educational initiatives to support Florida’s students, families and public school teachers.
Governor Diaz received his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University, a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern, and completed a Harvard Graduate School of Education program for principals.
Part of his role as Commissioner of Education is serving on the Board of Governors. He understands the importance and value of providing students with a world-class education and is honored to serve on the Board to support the work of the State University System of Florida.
Governor Diaz is a devoted husband and father of four.