Michael Matsuda

Michael Matsuda, the Superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District since 2014, is known for his district’s approach to innovation, entrepreneurship, and compassion. He has transformed educational opportunities for students through initiatives like reverse engineered career pathways and data-sharing agreements with higher education institutions. Mike has been recognized by Education Week’s National Leaders to Learn From, California State University- Fullerton’s Visionary Education Leadership Award, and University of California-Irvine’s Community Partner of the Year. Mike is also the co-author, alongside David Brazer, Educating for Purposeful Life (2023), which initially uplifted the school district efforts to transform public education. Mike developed the AIME (Anaheim Innovative Mentoring Experience) program, creating mentorships for over 10,000 high school students with over 120 business and non-profit partners. In 2024, he conceptualized the national K-12 AI Summit, drawing leaders from across the country focusing on enhancing human and emotional development through the promise of AI. In 2025, he was honored by ConnectED, a national non-profit focused on bridge efforts to prepare young people for career, college, and life, as one of its Pathway Trailblazer Award recipients.