Leadership Team

Michael Fuller is the Principal of Gateway High School. Prior to teaching, Michael worked as a Research Biologist for Gilead Sciences after earning his degree in Genetics from UC Davis. Michael’s experience in the field of Biotechnology was a major influence on his teaching practice in both the Biology and Biotechnology courses he taught at Gateway. He transitioned into the role of Principal last January after 5 years as Assistant Principal. He is a floundering but hardworking tri-athlete, a happy Giants fan, and a long-suffering but loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers.

Chris Hero is the Director of Finance and Operations at Gateway Public Schools. He has over 10 years of senior management experience for corporations and non-profit organizations in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Previously Chris served as Chief Operating Officer for Stanford Schools Corporation. Chris received a BA in History from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Boston University’s Graduate School of Management. When not working, Chris travels as much as possible, preferably to places on paths less traveled. Having played for his college team, Chris is also an avid tennis player.

Tina McGovern is the Director of Development and Outreach at Gateway Public Schools. Before joining Gateway, Tina owned a non-profit consulting/event planning business for 10 years in San Francisco and is the former Development Director for Florence Crittenton Services and Mercy High School, San Francisco. She graduated from the University of Santa Clara with a B.A. in English and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Bay Area Development Officers (ABADO). A native, Tina still makes her home in San Francisco and is the proud mother of four. She serves on the board of the Jack McGovern Coats Disease Foundation, founded to raise awareness for a rare retinal disease that causes blindness. Tina loves to spent time with her children and friends and travels as often as possible.

Sharon Olken is the Executive Director of Gateway Public Schools. In 2000, Sharon joined Gateway’s faculty as a humanities teacher. Since that time, Sharon has been a Lead Teacher, Dean of Faculty, and for the past seven years she served as the Principal of Gateway High School. During her tenure as principal, Gateway was recognized as a California Distinguished School and as a top-performing charter high school by the US Department of Education. She is inspired by working with such a talented and committed group of educators and thrilled that, by opening its second school, Gateway is poised to set more young people on the road to college. Sharon earned her B.A. from Harvard University, where she was captain of the varsity soccer team, and she received her M.A. in Education at Stanford University. Sharon taught a course in the Stanford Teacher Education Program called “Educating for Equity and Democracy,” and she worked for Senator Feinstein for two years before beginning her career in education. Sharon is proud of her Bay Area roots, her San Francisco Giants, and her very well-behaved puppy, Cody Ross.

Laura Spivy is the Chair of Gateway’s Board of Trustees. Laura received her MBA from Stanford University and a B.A. in Economics and East Asian studies from Wesleyan University. Laura has a diverse business background with experience in corporate finance, private equity investing, and general business management and operations. Laura previously ran operations for a division of health clubs for 24-Hour Fitness and did general business consulting to startups in the health and wellness industries. Laura has been on the board of Gateway for five years and during that tenure, chaired the Finance and Faculty Affairs Committees, founded and sat on the Investment Committee and participated in the Audit and Development Committees. Laura also serves on the board of San Francisco Day School where she is the Treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee. Laura lives in San Francisco with her husband Greg and has 4 pre-school and elementary school-aged children.

Aaron Watson is the Principal of Gateway Middle School. With thirteen years of experience as an educator, Aaron is proud to be working with teachers, families, and students to found Gateway Middle School. Prior to becoming principal, Aaron led the advisory program and taught humanities at Gateway High School for seven years, and developed a social services program for children and families involved in foster care in Alameda County. He earned a B.A. from Brown University and an M.A. in Education from UC Berkeley. Aaron also earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley’s Principal Leadership Institute. Outside of Gateway, Aaron enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with his wife and young daughter.