Michael Brickman

Michael Brickman is a national public policy leader who specializes in developing cutting-edge innovations in education reform, skills-based hiring, and the future of work. He advises elected officials, candidates, companies, nonprofits, and investors on the innovations that are changing the way we work and learn.

Michael was a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education, where he promoted opportunity for all Americans by developing and implementing Executive Order 13932, a government-wide human capital planning transformation that replaced college degree requirements with hiring based on skills and competencies. He also led several major regulatory reforms, including sweeping rewrites of federal regulations on accreditation, distance and competency-based education, and employer-education partnerships.

Previously, Michael was the National Policy Director of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, where he focused on empowering parents and promoting high academic standards. He also served in communications roles where he developed and executed high-profile political, corporate, and issued-based messaging campaigns.

Michael also led education policy for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, where he supported empowering parents, promoting job creation, and directing more education funds into the classroom. He conceptualized and won the development of the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option, the first public, competency-based college credentials. The effort earned praise across the political spectrum and continues to benefit thousands of students (he even took classes himself).

Michael earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Delaware and an M.B.A. from the pioneering Quantic School of Business and Technology. He is based in the Washington, D.C. area.