Microsoft has named Pat Yongpradit as General Manager of Global Education and Workforce Policy, marking his return to the company after over a decade spent focusing on computer science education, workforce development, and national policy. This appointment is significant as it aligns with Microsoft’s expanding efforts to integrate AI and digital skills into broader economic strategies.
The announcement was confirmed in a LinkedIn post from Yongpradit, following his departure from Code.org, where he had worked for twelve years. In his post, he describes the new role as a continuation of a long-standing professional relationship with Microsoft that began while he was still teaching. He reminisced, “Today, I begin a new chapter as General Manager of Global Education and Workforce Policy at Microsoft!”
Yongpradit traced his relationship with Microsoft back to 2009, when the company’s staff supported his classroom by introducing students to programming. “In 2009, while I was still teaching, I met Cy Khormaee and Alfred Thompson, Microsoft tech evangelists who introduced my students to game and mobile phone programming,” he noted. He credited their efforts with reshaping his classroom practices and influencing his career trajectory, saying, “Their support helped me make my CS courses more engaging, relevant, and inclusive.”
His ongoing collaboration with Microsoft deepened his involvement in the computer science education ecosystem beyond the classroom. “In the years that followed, Microsoft gave me summer roles writing curriculum, speaking at conferences, and mentoring other teachers,” he explained. This experience set the stage for his transition to Code.org in 2013, where he eventually rose to the position of Chief Academic Officer. There, he played a crucial role in advocating for the integration of computer science and, more recently, AI education into national frameworks and graduation requirements.
In his new position at Microsoft, Yongpradit will operate within the Microsoft Elevate initiative, reporting directly to Justin Spelhaug, President of Microsoft Elevate, and ultimately to Brad Smith, the company’s Vice-Chair and President. He highlighted the full-circle nature of his move, noting Smith’s involvement in founding Code.org and Microsoft’s sustained commitment to computer science education policy.
The relationships he cultivated over the years have been pivotal to this transition. Yongpradit specifically acknowledged Allyson Knox, stating, “One Microsoft leader was my advocate throughout the entire journey: Allyson Knox.” He emphasized that this new role formalizes a collaborative history with Microsoft colleagues across education, workforce, and policy realms.
Reflecting on his transition to Microsoft, Yongpradit emphasized continuity rather than change. “I am grateful for this community and excited to learn from all of you,” he concluded his LinkedIn post. As AI continues to reshape various sectors, his appointment signals a growing recognition of the importance of education and workforce development in navigating these technological shifts. Yongpradit’s return to Microsoft not only highlights his commitment to education but also positions the company to leverage his extensive experience in shaping future workforce policies in an era increasingly defined by digital transformation.
See also
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