Michael Polak

Michael Polak is a Professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy at Georgia Institute of Technology. He served as a Georgia State Senator (1998-2013) and previously in the House of Representatives, chairing key committees on Science and Technology and Appropriations. Notably, he authored Georgia’s Hope Scholarship. He is founder and President of Inovar Health, and has held advisory roles at GTRI, the College of Engineering, and Georgia Tech Savannah. His education includes a BS in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MS in Marketing from Georgia State University.

• Political Career: 5 terms in Georgia Legislature
• Legislative Achievements: Hope Scholarship, 19 awards
• Advisory Roles: GTRI, Savannah Campus Vice Chair

Research interests focus on science policy, legislative strategy, and education access, informed by his career bridging public office and academic engagement. His advisory work emphasizes technology governance and economic development.

Recipient of nineteen legislative awards and a bridge named in his honor, his career highlights policy innovation in education and technology sectors.