Pat Yongpradit joins Microsoft in global education and workforce policy role
Microsoft has appointed Pat Yongpradit as General Manager of Global Education and Workforce Policy, bringing him back to the company after more than a decade working across computer science education, workforce development, and national policy.
The appointment places Yongpradit within the company’s expanding education and workforce policy function as AI and digital skills become more closely tied to economic strategy.
The move was confirmed in a LinkedIn post, following Yongpradit’s departure from Code.org after twelve years.
LinkedIn post confirms Microsoft appointment
In the post, Yongpradit described the role as the latest chapter in a long-running professional relationship with Microsoft that began while he was still teaching. “Today, I begin a new chapter as General Manager of Global Education and Workforce Policy at Microsoft!” Yongpradit shared.
He traced that relationship back to 2009, when Microsoft staff supported his classroom by introducing students to early programming experiences.
“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 recalled. He credited that support with reshaping both his classroom practice and his wider career trajectory. “Their support helped me make my CS courses more engaging, relevant, and inclusive,” Yongpradit added.
Career path links classroom practice to policy leadership
Yongpradit went on to outline how continued work 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.”
Those experiences, he explained, immersed him in national education networks and policy conversations, setting the stage for his move to Code.org in 2013. “As a result, when the opportunity to join Code.org came along in 2013, I was ready,” Yongpradit said.
At Code.org, he later became Chief Academic Officer and was closely involved in advocacy efforts to embed computer science and, more recently, AI education into graduation requirements and national frameworks.
Yongpradit also confirmed that the role sits within Microsoft Elevate, reporting to Justin Spelhaug, President of Microsoft Elevate, and ultimately into Brad Smith, Vice-Chair and President of Microsoft. He described the move as a full-circle moment, pointing to Smith’s role in the founding of Code.org and Microsoft’s long-standing involvement in computer science education policy.
Long-standing relationships shape the move
Yongpradit also acknowledged the influence of Allyson Knox, highlighting a professional relationship that has spanned more than a decade. “One Microsoft leader was my advocate throughout the entire journey: Allyson Knox,” Yongpradit said. He explained that the new role formalizes years of collaboration with Microsoft colleagues across education, workforce, and policy teams.
Reflecting on the transition, Yongpradit closed the post by emphasizing continuity and learning rather than change. “I am grateful for this community and excited to learn from all of you,” Yongpradit added.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
Entries are now open for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, recognizing education technology companies and programs working across AI, workforce development, and digital learning. The awards are open to organizations in the UK, the Americas, and internationally, with entries assessed on evidence of impact across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning.
