Michael J. Gallo began his professional career in 1980 as a United States Air Force Officer stationed at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. He designed and managed a variety of base facility and airfield construction projects and directed mobility deployment forces to establish remote airfields and base operations worldwide. After serving his country, Mike joined TRW Ballistic Missiles Division to support the USAF in the development and deployment of the Peacekeeper and Small ICBM Weapon Systems as manager of the Systems Design and Cost organization. In 1989, Mike served as the Director of Program Control for the TRW Launch Services Organization, supporting commercial access to space initiatives for the emerging global telecommunications satellite industry.

In 1993, Mike co-founded Kelly Space & Technology, Inc., now celebrating over 21 years in business, conducting aerospace research, development and testing at the former Norton Air Force Base, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Company and provides leadership to the development and commercialization of the Company’s technology. As an inventor and technology developer, Mike has led the implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs, training initiatives and industry associations designed to strategically drive economic growth.

For over 30 years, Mike has served in top leadership roles for many local business, education, non-profit and community based organizations. In 2010, Mike founded Technical Employment Training, Inc., a non-profit business and education partnership, providing intensive skills training where students earn national industry certifications within an on-the-job training environment and are placed into high-demand careers. 

In November 2011, Mike was elected to the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education where he serves as President, focusing on strengthening our schools to inspire, engage and prepare students for success in college and careers. Mike has developed tangible business-education partnerships that provide relevant, exciting, hands-on, applied learning instruction and training as an essential component of effective academic instruction to improve student engagement, academic growth, scholastic achievement and career readiness. 

Mike was also appointed by Governor Brown to the California Workforce Investment Board in 2012 where he serves as Chairman of the Career Pathways and Education Committee and member of the Executive Board. Mike is focused on innovation, technology development and aligning Education, Workforce Investment and Economic Development as the passport to prosperity for our communities. Mike believes that it is critical to the future of our Nation to be steadfast in creating a technologically-literate, high-quality, skilled workforce able to meet the occupational demands of a globally-competitive economy.