About Dr. Dastmozd

Dr. Dastmozd holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from Southwest Minnesota State University, a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Drake University, and a doctorate degree in human resources and higher education from Colorado State University. Over the span of 36 years, he worked at four community college systems in Minnesota, Washington, and Iowa as a full-time advanced technologies faculty, Department Chair, Academic Dean for Applied Technologies, Vice President of Instruction & Workforce, and President/CEO. During his tenure as the President/CEO, Dr. Dastmozd raised in excess of $20 million (state and federal grants, philanthropy, and foundation fund raising activities).

On June 30, 2020, he retired from Minnesota State System as Assistant to the Chancellor for Special Projects. In this role, he advised the Chancellor and his cabinet, helping to identify and scope next steps toward achieving Minnesota State 2030 equity goals and leading the preparatory work needed to develop policies and strategies to close opportunity gaps found within the Minnesota State system.

Dr. Dastmozd is the Founder and President/CEO of PIVOT4Change Consulting firm. He has extensive experience as the PI and Co-PI with several National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grants/projects in Manufacturing related occupational cluster programs/training as well as serving on NSF/AACC MentorLinks program as a Sr. Mentor and a Consultant. Dr. Dastmozd currently chairs the National Cyber Security Training and Education Center (NCyTEC) National Visiting Team.