Roberto J. Rodriguez is a nationally recognized education and public policy leader. His impactful leadership in the White House, U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Education and in the nonprofit sector has been consequential in expanding opportunity and transforming educational systems. He most recently served as assistant U.S. secretary of education for policy and planning, where he led efforts to accelerate post-pandemic recovery, strengthen the educator workforce, redesign high schools, expand college access and advance the effective use of technology in learning. Previously, he was deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy. Rodriguez shaped President Barack Obama’s education agenda and served as a key architect of major bipartisan initiatives, including the Every Student Succeeds Act and investments in the Pell Grant and America’s community colleges. Rodriguez began his federal service as chief counsel to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. In this role, he steered bipartisan legislation to improve standards and accountability, expand early childhood and higher education and broaden educational access and civil rights protections for students and families.
Rodriguez launched his career at UnidosUS, where he supported legislative policy and advocacy to improve educational access, equity and community empowerment. He also served as president and chief executive officer of Teach Plus, advancing a national movement to elevate the voices and vision of talented educators to improve educational policy and practice. He has been appointed to multiple national boards and commissions and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s in education from Harvard University.