Board of Directors

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Kurt Gies

Kurt Gies served 25 years in the United States Navy, from 1982 to 2007. In 2016, as chaplain of American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, he learned that 22 veterans were dying by suicide every day. He founded Challenge 22 in 2017, and under his leadership the organization has raised more than $650,000 for vetted nonprofits that prevent veteran suicide.

Kurt Gies served 25 years in the United States Navy, from 1982 to 2007. A University of Florida graduate with degrees in engineering, he was commissioned in 1987 into the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, the Seabees, and became a registered professional engineer in Florida in 1994. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he was recalled to active duty for two years, serving on the staff of General Tommy Franks at U.S. Central Command, where he led 300 men building the $160 million contingency headquarters in Qatar ahead of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was decorated with six military medals for his leadership and meritorious service. In 2016, as chaplain of American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, Kurt learned that 22 veterans were dying by suicide every day. He walked the West Orange Trail alone that first year and vowed never to walk alone again. He founded Challenge 22 in 2017, and under his leadership the organization has raised more than $650,000 for vetted nonprofits that prevent veteran suicide. He serves as commander of American Legion Post 63, and in 2023 Orange County named him District 1 Citizen of the Year. Kurt lives in Oakland, Florida, with his wife, Lana.