Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) is pleased to introduce Dr. Gustin, who brings more than 32 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, and a career spanning classroom teaching, school administration, charter school leadership, and foundation management. Throughout his work, he has focused on supporting students who benefit from alternative learning environments and on strengthening partnerships that help expand access to meaningful pathways to graduation.
Most recently, Dr. Gustin served as the President and CEO of Options Schools, Inc. and the Options in Education Foundation, where he oversaw organizational operations, finance, and governance. During his tenure, the organization experienced significant growth, expanded student reach, and strengthened long-term financial sustainability, including a successful financial turnaround that stabilized operations and eliminated debt. He also played a key role in broadening the foundation’s fundraising efforts to support long-term impact.
Dr. Gustin holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Ball State University, with doctoral research focused on alternative education and state accountability metrics. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Indiana Air National Guard, experiences that continue to inform his approach to leadership, service, and mission-driven work.
Dr. Gustin’s leadership philosophy is shaped by both lived experience and professional practice. He understands that students bring real-world challenges into the classroom and that schools play a critical role in providing structure, support, and opportunity. As a leader, he has consistently emphasized intentional planning, strong relationships, and high expectations, creating environments where students and educators alike are positioned to succeed.
“For me, leadership in education is about creating environments where students feel known, supported, and challenged, and where educators are empowered to meet both academic and human needs.”
As Dr. Gustin begins his role, SYF looks forward to continued collaboration across its national network and to strengthening the systems, partnerships, and opportunities that help more students stay on track, graduate, and pursue what comes next.
