Meet the WIDI Team: Elliott Kaas, WIDI Board Chair & IC Challenge Master
At Wisconsin Destination Imagination (WIDI), our success is powered by the incredible people who dedicate their time, talents, and creativity to supporting students across the state. From coordinating tournaments to training Team Managers and ensuring that every team has the resources they need, our affiliate-level staff and volunteers are here to make sure our program participants have what they need to succeed.
We’re excited to introduce you to the passionate individuals who make it all possible—each one committed to inspiring curiosity, collaboration, and innovation in Wisconsin’s next generation of problem solvers.
I got my start in Destination Imagination back in grade school. I was on and off the team in the early years, but starting in 7th grade I stuck with the same team all the way through high school. We always took on the Scientific Challenge and made it to Globals nearly every year—some of my favorite memories were built on those trips.
After graduating, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Analytics from UW–Green Bay. While in college, I jumped into volunteering as both a Regional and Affiliate Challenge Master for Instant Challenge. Today, I continue to serve as an Instant Challenge Challenge Master for the state of Wisconsin and also appraise Instant Challenge at Global Finals. More recently, I joined the WIDI Board of Directors as the ACM Representative and this year I’m stepping into the Board Chair role.
If you ask people who know me well, they’ll say I keep coming back for the pin trading, but that’s only half the story! What truly keeps me involved is the community. I've met some incredible people through DI and get to work with many of them year after year. It’s like a second family. I had such a fun time as a participant that I want to make sure the next generation gets to enjoy the same experience. Volunteering in any role I can is my way of paying it forward.
As a kid, I was shy, and DI helped me grow out of my shell. It taught me how to collaborate, lead, and speak up in group settings; skills that have helped me immensely in my career. I work in the IT department at Koch Industries, collaborating with our DevOps engineers and product teams. The teamwork and creative problem-solving I learned in DI show up in my job every single day.
Outside of DI and work, I’m married to my wonderful wife, Brianna, a third-grade teacher who also loves the Early Learning Program in DI. She’s just as passionate about education and creativity as I am. We live in Wisconsin and enjoy a quiet, grounded lifestyle.
In my free time, I love tinkering with computers, electronics, and high-fidelity speakers. I also enjoy gardening and keeping a small indoor jungle of houseplants alive and thriving.
Thank you, Elliott, for all you do to help keep WIDI thriving!
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