Michael Meotti

Michael Meotti was appointed Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) by Governor Jay Inslee in 2016.  Mr. Meotti previously served as Executive Vice President of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education and Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Higher Education.  
WSAC is Washington state’s higher education agency with primary responsibility to facilitate the development of state policy on higher education working with elected officials, colleges and universities, employers, nonprofit and other organizations interested in increasing higher education attainment.  The agency manages Washington’s extensive student financial aid programs, college readiness programs, and 529 programs.

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WSAC launched Otterbot, an AI chatbot provided by Mainstay, to support low income high school seniors in their application for admission and financial aid.  Michael has advised edtech entrepreneurs in incubators for startup companies and in campus-based programs for students and faculty.  He is a regular attendee at ASU-GSV and has written about education technology in higher education.

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Michael has extensive experience in higher education policy, finance, and innovation.  Prior to joining WSAC, he consulted on a number of national foundation higher education initiatives including the development of a business model approach using design thinking to drive innovation and change.  He also worked on regional and state strategies to increase student access and success.  He taught higher education policy at George Washington University.  

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Mr. Meotti has served in leadership positions in government, nonprofit and corporate sectors.  He served 8 years in the Connecticut State Senate.  Later, he was the President of the United Way of Connecticut and President of the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council.  Michael holds a bachelors and law degree from Georgetown University.