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.