Michael Hackett

About Michael Hackett

Operations & Strategy Executive | Academic Partnerships | Higher Education Commercialization | UAV & Workforce Training | P&L LeadershipI’ve spent my career at the intersection of higher education and the markets it serves—helping institutions adopt programs, platforms, and partnerships that translate into enrollment, revenue, and workforce outcomes.Over 20+ years, I’ve led commercialization and operations across K–12 and higher education, owning large-scale P&L portfolios and partnering with institutions nationwide to drive adoption of digital learning platforms, STEM programs, and workforce-aligned education solutions.Today at Unmanned Safety Institute, I partner with colleges, universities, and technical programs to expand UAV and aviation training—aligning curriculum with certification pathways, employer demand, and long-term program viability.My experience spans the full lifecycle of growth:• Academic partnerships and complex procurement environments• Customer success and long-term program adoption• People leadership and talent development• Enterprise negotiations and capital strategy• Post-acquisition integration and performance alignmentEarlier in my career, I spent over a decade with McGraw-Hill Education, leading higher education portfolios across life sciences and engineering with P&L responsibility exceeding $100M and consistently delivering double-digit growth through product innovation and institutional partnerships.More recently, I’ve led enterprise-wide transformations across multi-site education businesses—optimizing portfolios, improving revenue productivity, and strengthening organizational performance while maintaining strong culture and execution.I’m a builder by nature, an operator by experience, and a developer of people by conviction. I lead with integrity, accountability, and direct communication. I listen carefully, act decisively, and invest heavily in developing talent. My leadership blends strategy with execution, data with instinct, and performance with culture.I believe the most effective leaders build more than businesses—they build people, culture, and lasting momentum.While I’m focused on my work at Unmanned Safety Institute, I’m always open to conversations with organizations, investors, and leaders exploring opportunities to scale, transform, or build something meaningful.

Experience

1. Director, Academic Partnerships

   Usi

   Apr 2026 — Present · US

Education

• Western Governors University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration and Management, General