MADISON, Wis.— Filene Research Institute named Ryan Foss managing director of innovation. In this role, Foss will lead innovation initiatives within the credit union system, primarily through development and management of Filene’s Incubator—a testing laboratory for consumer-friendly products and services—and the Institute’s prestigious i3 group.
“Ryan is the first innovation head to come from outside the credit union system,” said George Hofheimer, chief knowledge officer for Filene. “In innovation, one needs to always be looking at problems and insights from a different lens, cutting things in half, and breaking things apart in new ways. We are looking for Ryan to bring us exactly that bold and refreshing perspective on innovation.”
Prior to accepting this role, Foss was the director of partnerships and business development for Brightpeak Financial. He has also held a variety of roles in nonprofits including executive director at a community development organization serving people in Uganda and Kenya, further exemplifying his ability to stimulate unique insights from outside the credit union system.
“In previous roles I have worked with the poorest of the poor in Africa, and with first-time offender youth in the heart of Minneapolis. I understand the need for making financial products and services available to ALL people, and Filene can play a major role in connecting credit unions and partner organizations to make that a reality,” Foss reflected. “I am incredibly excited to step into this new role. Filene is a tremendous organization that I have always kept on my radar as they share similar philosophies to my own.”
Foss received an MBA from the University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree in Music from UM-Duluth. Foss enjoys an active and unique set of hobbies when he is not busy fostering innovation, including competing in ultra-marathons through the jungles of Brazil, rowing across the Pacific Ocean and climbing mountains in South America.
His responsibilities as managing director of innovation formally began January 9, working remotely from Tonka Bay, Minnesota. Andrew Downin, who recently accepted the position of managing director of research with Filene, previously held this role.