Josh Burgess

Josh Burgess is a Managing Director at GDI, where he is building a portfolio of initiatives reimagining democracy in a dramatically changing world. He’s a social entrepreneur and mentor to startups, governments, and non-profits around the globe. Most recently, he founded the Central Oregon Civic Action Project, a public-private partnership helping shape vibrant communities through deliberative democracy. He serves as Board President for REACT DC, a refugee resettlement non-profit, and as a mentor for military members transitioning to the private sector via the Special Operations Transition Foundation. He’s also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Columbia University’s Technology Ventures and Senior Advisor to Democracy Next.

Josh retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force after a career as a special operations helicopter pilot and international affairs strategist. He served in more than 40 countries, led multinational task forces in conflict and humanitarian operations, and advised senior American and foreign government executives on security and sustainability strategies. He was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service and Humanitarian Medals, State Department Superior Honor Award, and Bronze Star. Josh holds a Master of Fine Arts from Eastern Washington University, a Master of Military Art and Science, and a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He’s a parent to two interesting children and has “never” been lost while backcountry skiing or mountain climbing…