Mr. Golston is the President, United States Program for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since 2006, and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Golston is also a director of Harley-Davidson, Inc., a manufacturer of motorcycles and accessories.   

Mr. Golston has extensive experience in auditing, finance and the healthcare industry. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has held positions as a finance executive with Swedish Health Services (Seattle, WA) and the University of Colorado Hospital. In his service to the Gates Foundation, he has contributed to the strategic formation and operation of successful initiatives to provide healthcare, education and other human needs, all of which give him understanding that assists us in our global efforts to meet the needs of patients and caregivers. Additionally, Mr. Golston's expertise in financial matters enable him to make valuable contributions to our Audit Committee and his overall experience positions him well to serve as our Lead Independent Director.