Michael Brickman leads Cicero’s initiatives in K-12 education and workforce development policy while overseeing the management of the organization’s policy idea pipeline. As a national public policy leader, Michael specializes in innovative education reform, skills-based hiring, and workforce evolution. With experience as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education, Michael spearheaded transformative initiatives like Executive Order 13932, replacing college degree requirements with skills-based hiring. His tenure also saw significant regulatory reforms in accreditation and education partnerships. Previously, Michael directed education policy for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, championing parental empowerment and job creation. Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Delaware and an M.B.A. from Quantic School of Business and Technology. He resides in Maryland, driven by a passion to expand opportunities and remove barriers to upward mobility. Michael, an avid water enthusiast, enjoys spending time near water with his family and engaging in watersports.

Latest Posts by Michael Brickman


1960s-classroom
Post
  • Education & Workforce

Where is money for schools actually going?

college
News & Media
  • Opinion-Editorial

SAVE Plan Is Another Student Loan Forgiveness Boondoggle

US Dept of Education
News & Media
  • Opinion-Editorial

Democrats Are Plotting A Brazen $147B Student-Loan Debt ‘October Surprise’

court ruling
Post
  • Regulatory Reform

State Governments Can Lead on Regulations if They Capitalize on Loper

News & Media
  • Opinion-Editorial

South Carolina AG Battles Joe Biden’s Unconstitutional Loan Forgiveness Program

News & Media
  • Opinion-Editorial

Promoting Merit and Equal Opportunity in University Admissions

News & Media
  • Opinion-Editorial

States Can Lead the Way in Fixing the College Value Proposition

Research
  • Foundational Research

Transparency and Accountability for School Spending