Gus Kangas

Gus Kangas has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Gus currently holds the position of Chief Innovation Officer at RL Leaders, where they utilize their expertise in the entertainment and creative arts industries to generate innovative solutions for national security challenges. Prior to this, Gus worked as a Professional Actor for the Actors' Equity Association and as an Actor for SAG-AFTRA. Gus also served as a Senior Intelligence Officer at the Central Intelligence Agency and held various roles as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, Gus served as an Air Force Officer in the United States Air Force. Overall, their work experience showcases their adaptability and expertise in both creative and intelligence-related fields.

Gus Kangas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Security Studies from the Boston University - Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (Pardee School) from 1990 to 1994. Gus then went on to pursue a Master's degree in International Public Policy (MIPP) at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) from 2016 to 2017. In addition to their formal education, Gus Kangas has obtained several certifications, including "Advanced Design Thinking," "Designing a Business," "Storytelling for Influence," "Foundations in Design Thinking," "From Ideas to Action," "Unlocking Creativity," and "Insights for Innovation" from IDEO U, with the most recent certification obtained in July 2021.