Chief Operating Officer Sam Verghese honored for his commitment to career and technical education

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2024) — Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Chief Operating Officer Sam Verghese has been recognized by the Florida Chamber Foundation for his work advocating for and bringing more Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings to Florida’s K-12 students.

Verghese received the 2024 Florida Chamber Chair’s Recipient Award at the 2024 Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting on Oct. 22. Verghese is a member of the Chamber’s Future of Work Advisory Board. The award is given annually to a board member who goes above and beyond in championing talent and education. 

“Sam is an outstanding advocate for career and technical education across the state,” said Rachel Ludwig, vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “We can always count on him to bring new ideas to the table, including different ways we can expand CTE student participation to build upon our long-term plan to fuel Florida’s workforce.” 

As the chief operating officer at FLVS, Verghese is tasked with leading the organization’s efforts to deliver a world-class online education to K-12 students in Florida and worldwide. He plays an active role in the school district’s CTE programs. FLVS currently has eight CTE programs of study, which are a progression of industry-focused online courses that create accessible pathways to gaining the skills and certifications students need for career and/or college success. These CTE programs of study equip students with the technical and employability skills needed to secure high-demand, high-wage jobs. 

“I am honored to receive this award as I truly believe that the future of our workforce will be shaped by how K-12 educators personalize learning for students,” said Verghese. “Every student learns differently and has unique interests, which is why we need more learning pathways, like Career and Technical Education, to help them reach their full potential.”

In his free time, Verghese stays busy managing his three kid’s extracurricular activities alongside his wife. He also volunteers at his church, playing the guitar in the church band and serving as a Sunday school teacher. 

For more information about Florida Virtual School, visit www.flvs.net.