In February, we welcomed Dr. Mike Gustin as our new President. With a career spanning classroom teaching, coaching, school administration, charter school leadership, and foundation management, Dr. Gustin brings a deep commitment to education, community, and mission-driven leadership. We sat down with Dr. Gustin to learn more about the person behind the role and his vision for the future of SYF.
Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what led you to this role?
I spent eight years in the military so I could return to school using the GI Bill. I earned my undergraduate degree in Education from Indiana University and began my career as a teacher. Early on, I realized I wanted to move into administration, which led me to Ball State University to pursue my graduate and doctoral degrees. While continuing my education, I advanced my career in traditional public education. In 2005, I transitioned into the charter school sector, where the schools I worked with focused on alternative education. In 2008, I became principal at Options Schools in Noblesville, Indiana and in 2012, I stepped into the role of President and CEO, where I served for 14 years. Throughout my career, my work has centered on supporting students in alternative education, an area I believe thoughtful leadership and strong systems can make a meaningful difference for students.
What experiences have shaped the professional you are today?
I tend to think about my professional journey in three phases: my education, my work experience, and my childhood. In many ways, I likely would have been identified as an alternative education student myself. I grew up in a single-parent household in a trailer park. My mom earned minimum wage for much of my childhood, and school became the place where I found the most support. I was a bright kid and an athlete, and my teachers and coaches encouraged me both in the classroom and in athletics, whether on the football field or basketball court. Through those experiences, I began to believe that education could change my trajectory and allow me to become more than what I was born into. I realized I could achieve whatever my mind and determination would allow.
Thinking about this new chapter and new role with SYF, what excites you the most?
Since starting, I’ve been joking that I feel like I’ve been “working left-handed.” After 20 years at Options Academy, I had become very familiar with every aspect of the work, so I was ready for a new challenge. I found that in the mission of alternative education at Simon Youth Foundation. During the candidacy process, I shared with Debbie Simon how much I admire her commitment. She could have chosen to do anything with her career, yet she chose to dedicate herself to this work and to these students. After nearly 30 years, her passion for the mission is still incredibly strong, and I have tremendous respect for that. I believe she was looking for someone who could provide a steady presence, help shape vision and strategic direction for the future, and serve as a trusted partner. I was excited about the opportunity to step into that role. I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of that work.
Looking ahead, what feels most important for SYF in this next chapter?
First is the human element. There are some gaps that need to be addressed, and some areas that need additional support and clearer direction. My focus is ensuring that everyone is working in alignment, which depends on strong communication and trust. I’m being very intentional about strengthening those elements across staff, the board, and our committees. Second, the organization is currently somewhat uneven in how attention and resources are distributed. Some areas receive significant focus while others need more support. To move the organization forward, every part of the organization needs to grow together. That’s where a strategic plan becomes important. Our goal is to identify the organization’s current needs and create a clear roadmap for strengthening each area. By focusing on both the human element and strategic alignment, we’ll be well positioned for the future.
How would you define success?
For me, success begins with the priorities I mentioned earlier. It starts with building alignment across the organization and strengthening communication and trust among staff, the board, and our committees so that everyone is working toward the same goals. Success also means developing a clear strategic plan, and ensuring stakeholders understand and support where we want to go, together. I’m a strong believer in revisiting strategic plans every year so they remain active and relevant rather than sitting on a shelf and collecting dust. When organizations regularly review their priorities and hold themselves accountable to a living strategic plan, they are far more likely to achieve their goals. To me, that’s what success looks like.
What gives you hope, whether in education, the field of education, or just in the world in general?
What gives me hope? People. It may sound simple, but I believe it only takes a small group of dedicated people to create meaningful change, and that’s exactly what SYF represents. Our goal is to expand opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to them. I’m grateful to work in a space where people remain hopeful and committed to building a better future. A future that is defined more by possibility than by limitation.
What do you want the SYF students and educators and supporters to know about you?
More than anything, I value the relationships we have with one another. I’m committed to working as hard as I can to create as many opportunities as possible for SYF students and educators. We’ll never stop working on their behalf, and they should know that I’m always in their corner. In return, I simply ask that they pay it forward by continuing to give their students the best opportunities possible for success.
What message would you like to share directly with the community and our network?
I would simply say this; there is a lot of exciting work ahead. The next chapter for SYF is going to be an exciting one. In 2026, we’re refreshing our brand, strengthening our financial infrastructure, and improving internal processes. These efforts will position us to focus even more fully on our mission, supporting Simon Youth Academies, empowering educators, and creating opportunities for our students.
Before we wrap up, let’s do some rapid-fire questions. Are you ready?
Let’s do it!
Dog or cat?
I’ve got both. Probably a dog. Maybe a little bit more than a cat.
Beach or mountains?
Mountains.
Go-to comfort food?
Tacos.
Favorite subject in school?
History.
Favorite way to spend a Saturday?
Playing golf.
If you could play golf at any course in the world, which course would it be?
Augusta.
Is there a quote that you return to often?
“You get back from life what you put into life.”
One word that describes this next chapter for SYF?
Vibrant.
