About Me

The Mission Behind the Work

Grounded in Mission. Focused on Systems.

I am Dr. Michael A. DeJesus III—a systems strategist and policy leader with nearly 20 years of experience advancing economic mobility and opportunity. My work focuses on designing and aligning complex systems that connect strategy, policy, and execution across sectors. Grounded in education, I bring a cross-sector perspective shaped by experience in government, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and economic development.

What Guides My Work

A values-driven approach to education policy and leadership.

Purpose-Driven Systems

I believe systems should be designed with people — not just policy — in mind. My work connects strategy to lived experience, ensuring that programs and policies lead to real-world results for learners and communities.

Integrity in Leadership

I lead with clarity, accountability, and humility. Whether guiding institutions or managing cross-functional teams, I strive to build trust, make decisions transparently, and keep the mission at the center.

Service Through Stewardship

I view leadership as a responsibility to serve — not just to direct. Every initiative, budget, or strategy is a chance to steward resources toward a larger mission that uplifts communities.

Aligning Systems with Economic Opportunity and Regional Growth

My work centers on connecting systems of education, policy, and economic opportunity to support regional growth and long-term outcomes. This has included leading cross-sector initiatives that expand access, strengthen coordination across institutions, and align strategy with economic priorities.

This work has taken shape across state government, higher education, and nonprofit environments, including directing a multi-state postsecondary success portfolio serving 16 states and supporting regional collaboration through the Southern Regional Education Board. I hold a Ph.D. and Ed.S. in Education Policy, Research, and Administration and serve on multiple boards focused on youth development and regional talent strategy.

Leading Multi-State Strategy and Systems Alignment

Throughout my career, my work has focused on aligning complex, multi-state systems to expand access and support coordinated infrastructure across institutions. This has included directing multi-state initiatives and portfolios that enable interstate access, institutional collaboration, and shared systems across higher education environments.

These efforts reflect a broader approach to systems design—one that emphasizes alignment, scalability, and the ability to operate across diverse policy and organizational contexts.

Shaping Policy and Expanding Opportunity in Government Systems

This work has included experience in state government focused on expanding access and strengthening equity through policy and system-level interventions. This included advancing market access and procurement pathways for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises within economic development systems, as well as managing statewide opportunity programs and leading civil rights compliance efforts across higher education institutions.

Building Systems Across Complex Environments.

Each step in my career has been anchored in a commitment to expanding opportunity, building sustainable programs, and serving students, institutions, and communities.

2022–Present

Multi-State Systems and Regional Strategy

This work has included directing a multi-state portfolio serving 16 states through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), focused on improving affordability, expanding access, and strengthening coordination across institutions. It has involved advancing shared systems, cross-state collaboration, and initiatives that support institutional alignment and innovation across higher education environments.

2013–Present

Cross-Sector Leadership and Board Engagement

This work extends into governance and community leadership, including service on the boards of Youth Leadership Henry and the Academy for Advanced Studies, as well as prior executive board service with the Tri-State Consortium. These roles support efforts focused on youth development, college access, and regional talent strategy, reinforcing a commitment to cross-sector alignment and community-centered systems.

2010–2022

Policy, Access, and Economic Opportunity in Government Systems

This work has included advancing market access and procurement pathways for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises at Empire State Development, as well as managing statewide opportunity programs and conducting civil rights compliance efforts at the New York State Education Department—strengthening access and equity through policy and system-level interventions.

2008–2010

Institutional Systems and Student Success

This work has included designing and leading institutional initiatives focused on student success, engagement, and access at The College of Saint Rose, strengthening coordination across programs and supporting more inclusive campus environments. This also included teaching African history as an adjunct, reinforcing global awareness and learning.

2002–2007

Foundations in Systems and Leadership

Early experience included managing residential life systems at the University at Albany and holding progressive roles at SUNY New Paltz—coordinating building operations, student support, crisis response, and community engagement within complex, high-touch environments. This work built a foundation in leadership, operations, and real-time systems management that continues to inform my approach to complex challenges.

Faith in Action

Beyond the Resume

My work is grounded in a long-standing commitment to service and community-centered systems. Across different seasons, this has included mentoring youth, supporting leadership development, and contributing to community and faith-based initiatives focused on growth, stability, and opportunity.

This work has also included helping coordinate volunteer efforts and resource mobilization in response to community needs—supporting both local and broader relief efforts when systems are under strain.

This commitment began early through student-led mentoring and youth engagement efforts and continues to shape my approach to leadership: staying close to the communities systems are meant to serve, leading with purpose, and building structures that support others over time.

Michael A. DeJesus III, Ph.D. | Systems Strategist