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ESA Leadership

Michael (Mike) D. Gallagher
President and CEO

Michael (Mike) D. Gallagher is president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers.

Mr. Gallagher joined ESA in 2007. Under his leadership, ESA engages in activities that demonstrate the influence of entertainment software on areas of daily life such as education, health and the workplace. He frequently appears as the public face of the industry and regularly serves as an expert resource for major media outlets, including CNN, Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News and CBS News.

Mr. Gallagher’s interest in the broader uses of games helped ESA adopt a focus on highlighting the value of video games as next-generation learning tools, and their increasing incorporation into classrooms. His accomplishments include ESA’s sponsorship of the National STEM Video Game Challenge, part of the White House-led Educate to Innovate campaign. In addition, Mr. Gallagher served on the judging panel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Apps for Healthy Kids” competition.

Mr. Gallagher also manages ESA’s work with state officials, helping to foster a welcoming operating environment for the high-paying jobs in the video game industry. Additionally, he leads ESA’s collaboration with the Congressional Caucus for Competitiveness in Entertainment Technology (E-TECH Caucus), which educates federal policymakers about the economic, educational and social benefits of interactive entertainment technology.

Mr. Gallagher has spoken at numerous venues across the country. He addressed graduating students at educational institutions such as Southern Methodist University and the DigiPen Institute of Technology.

Previously, Mr. Gallagher was the U.S. Department of Commerce's Assistant Secretary for Communications & Information, serving as chief telecommunications and Internet policy advisor. During his tenure at the Department of Commerce, he led successful efforts to pave the way for a number of ground-breaking spectrum-based technologies and services, and developed and successfully advocated the U.S. government's policies on international Internet governance. Mr. Gallagher also served as Communications Practice chair at leading international law firm Perkins Coie, during which time he co-authored, “21st Century Communications Systems for First Responders: The Right Call,” which offered groundbreaking spectrum policy recommendations and championed the private sector's role in enhancing our nation’s public safety communications infrastructure.

Several organizations recognized Mr. Gallagher’s leadership in telecommunications and technology issues. He received the Telecommunications Industry Association’s “Spirit of Innovation” award in 2005 and the Wireless Communications Association’s “Leadership in Government” award in 2006. He was also recognized by former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in 2006 for his distinguished leadership in government service.

Mr. Gallagher holds degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Guildhall at Southern Methodist University and Spectrum Bridge, Inc. Mr. Gallagher also serves on the Boards of Directors for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and One Economy Corporation, as well as the Publishing Advisory Board of Sesame Street.

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