Ryan Foss

As the Managing Director of Innovation, Ryan is responsible for developing, planning and managing Filene’s innovation initiatives within the credit union system.  His main priorities are managing the Incubator, a testing laboratory for consumer-friendly products and services, and leading Filene’s prestigious i³ group. 

Prior to Filene, Ryan has worn many hats.  He has done community development in Kenya and Uganda as the Executive Director of an NGO, worked in fund development for an innovative youth mentoring program in Minnesota, and has been an Executive Chef after growing up in the restaurant business.  Most recently, Ryan has been in the life insurance industry where his job was innovating around products and distribution strategies with partner organizations.  

Ryan has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music, and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.  He is currently on the board of directors for 180 Degrees, who supports individuals and families in overcoming barriers, transforming lives, and contributing to healthy, multicultural communities. 

When not at Filene, you can find him hanging with his wife, two boys, or at the cabin in northern Minnesota.  Ryan is a mountain climber, trail runner, ultra-marathoner, ocean rower, sailor and wanna be adventurer.  He’s constantly trying to make his life epic and getting his kids to dream BIG.