Meet Michael Hoeck - Board Candidate

I’ve learned that a board member should act like a coach on the sideline or a "libero" on the field. My role is to protect the team, anticipate risks, and ensure our school leadership (the "players") has everything they need to score goals for our kids.

Dear Fellow MIS Parents,

Our children are our greatest legacy, and the environment in which they learn, grow, and discover their values is a responsibility we all share. As a father of five—with one MIS graduate in 2024, three children currently in grade 10, and my youngest in grade 8—I have seen firsthand the incredible impact this institution has on our families. I am running for the MIS Board of Directors because I believe in this school’s future and want to ensure it remains a world-leading institution for years to come.

Why Your Vote Matters

Before I ask for your support, I want to urge you to participate in this election. Our Board plays a critical role in shaping the long-term strategy and stability of the school. By voting, you are directly influencing the leadership that will support our teachers and our children. Your voice is the heartbeat of the MIS community.

A Global Perspective with Local Roots

My family is a true MIS "mixture" of cultures; my wife is Spanish, grew up in French-speaking Switzerland, and works here at the school. We speak a blend of German, Spanish, and French at home, reflecting the international spirit we all value. Professionally, I am an entrepreneur and venture capital investor with a background in economics and management from Maastricht, Harvard, and RWTH Aachen.

My commitment to MIS is already "hands-on." You might have seen me on the sidelines supporting the Ski Team, coordinating lacrosse equipment donations, or running alongside many of you in the MIS 5K Fun Run.

What I Bring to the Board 

I offer a unique combination of financial rigor, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit:

• Board Expertise: I have coached over 10 founder teams and currently serve on multiple boards for medium-sized organizations. I understand corporate governance, risk management, and the discipline required for long-term success.
• Financial & Strategic Leadership: As a Co-Founder of Earlybird-X, I have participated in efforts that raised over €100 million in funds. I am ready to leverage this experience to support MIS in fundraising and navigating complex economic landscapes.
• The "Libero" Philosophy: In sports—having played on the German National Lacrosse team—I’ve learned that a board member should act like a coach on the sideline or a "libero" on the field. My role is to protect the team, anticipate risks, and ensure our school leadership (the "players") has everything they need to score goals for our kids.

A Vision for the Future

We are living in a time of rapid change—from the rise of AI in education to shifting global dynamics. My goal is to support our upcoming Head of School and the entire staff in providing an education that equips our children with the skills and values they need to thrive in this new world.

With my youngest daughter in grade 8, I am committed to serving this board for several years to come. I would be honored to have your vote and to work together to keep MIS at the forefront of international education.

Let’s shape the future of MIS together.

Dr. Michael Hoeck