Hal Plotkin

Who is Hal Plotkin?

Hal Plotkin is the Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Under Secretary of Education, United States Department of Education, which has responsibility for all federal U.S. higher education policies and programs. Plotkin was appointed to his position in the Obama administration in July 2009.

Plotkin is a former member and president of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees and Chair of the District's Committee on Audit and Finance. He is the first graduate of Foothill College to ever serve on its governing board.

In 2003, Plotkin initiated the district's Policy on Public Domain Learning Materials which are now more commonly known as Open Educational Resources.

During his service in the Obama administration, Plotkin has worked to advance the use of Open Educational Resources to increase access to high-quality educational opportunities and improve the quality of teaching and learning while lowering costs imposed on students, communities and schools.