Dr. Gallagher has been committed to equity through service in the public schools of Santa Clara County for more than 35 years, as a high school English teacher, counselor, associate principal, middle school principal, and as a district-level leader.  He came to Sunnyvale in May of 2009 as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

As Superintendent, Dr. Gallagher led the district community in the development of both the first six-year Strategic Plan and the first multi-year Facilities Master Plan in many years.  The Profile of a Sunnyvale Learner and The Sunnyvale Promise Under were developed through this process. Under his leadership, the District also passed a $214 million facilities bond measure with over 72% support and a renewal of the district’s parcel tax with over 80% support.

As Deputy Superintendent, Gallagher led the District’s human resources and information systems departments and has been a district leader in its efforts to understand the social-emotional dimensions of teaching and learning and culturally responsive teaching practices.  He has created innovative employee support systems including on-campus resilience consultants and support groups focused on building teacher resilience. He is a widely recognized expert in the areas of social-emotional learning and interest-based bargaining.

He also serves on the Board of Sunnyvale Community Services and is a member of Sunnyvale Rotary. He is a board member for the Center for Reaching and Teaching the Whole Child and for the Santa Clara County Schools Insurance Group.  He is an adjunct faculty member for San José State University’s Educational Doctorate program and for Santa Clara University’s Master of Arts in Educational Administration program.  

Gallagher and his husband, Jason Chan, are both lifelong residents of the South Bay, are avid San José Earthquakes fans, and are deeply committed to empowering the area’s youth.