Allan Golston

Allan Golston is the President of the U.S. Program for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leading the foundation's efforts to advance educational opportunity and student achievement in the United States to ensure that all students – particularly low-income students and students of color – receive a high-quality education that leads to success in college and their careers. He oversees the U.S. Program’s major areas of investment – Education, Economic Mobility and Opportunity, and The Washington State Initiative. 

Originally joining the foundation in 2000 as the chief financial officer, Allan felt a deep connection to the U.S. Program education work – which spans early learning, K-12, and postsecondary – and began serving as president in 2006.

Allan believes education provides a bridge to opportunity unlike any other in America, and he is committed to ensuring all young people have the education and opportunity they deserve. This includes a deep focus on equity in education and using data to get better outcomes for students of all backgrounds.

In addition to his work with the foundation, Allan also serves on the board of Stryker Corporation, where he acts as Chair of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee and a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as the board of Harley-Davidson, where he serves as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit and Finance Committee.

Allan’s professional background is in consulting, public accounting, consumer packaged goods, software development, finance, healthcare, and education. He holds an MBA from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado.