NMU alumnus Timothy Kangas (BS 1988, MPA 1990) was recently appointed chief operating officer at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), which has been providing care to America's veterans since 1831.

In his new role, Kangas sets the agency’s strategic goals and business plans, manages the day-to-day operations and administration of its two facilities — the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington, D.C. and the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Gulfport, Miss. — and ensures compliance with congressional legislation and appropriate rules for the operation of the facilities.

In addition to being responsible to the secretary of defense for the overall authority, direction, control, operation and management of the AFRH, Kangas is responsible for all facets of policy, advocacy and oversight pertaining to the delivery of quality programs and services throughout the agency’s continuing care retirement community.

Prior to his current position, Kangas served the citizens of the state of Michigan for over 20 years in multiple capacities, most recently as a regional healthcare administrator for the Michigan Department of Corrections.  There, he provided direct oversight for the provision of comprehensive healthcare services to over 20,000 inmates located across the lower half of Michigan.

He also served as the trauma coordinator for the state of Michigan, where he led the effort to create and implement the first statewide all-inclusive trauma system. He successfully developed and established the administrative rules to regulate the provision of trauma care for 158 hospitals, over 700 life support agencies, and 65 medical control authorities.

From 2007 to 2008, Kangas served as a senior advisor for the U.S. Department of State’s Provisional Reconstruction Team in Iraq.  There, he was responsible for the establishment of a provincial reconstruction strategy for essential services and infrastructure on a forward operating base in Baqubah, Iraq. 

Kangas has been an elected member of the Dewitt, Mich. City Council, and has served his community on many local boards and commissions.  Previously, Kangas served as an aide to former U.S Representative Bob Davis, and for nine years as a combat medic with the 107th Engineering Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard.

A native of L’Anse, Kangas received a doctorate in public administration and public affairs from Western Michigan University in 2005, a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University in 1990, and a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology, also from NMU, in 1988.

This release was prepared by the Armed Forces Retirement Home.