DHDC
Downtown Hays Development Corporation announced today the appointment of three new additions to the board of directors.
The three new directors are Chelsey Ladd, Kiley Rupp, and Bryan Vonfeldt.
Ladd is a native of Hays and a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and a B.A. in Political Science. She currently serves as the Director of Constituent Services for the Office of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. In that role, she manages the day-to-day operation of Senator Moran’s constituent services division, leading a team of 10 caseworkers. She is very active in the Hays community serving on the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Hays Kiwanis Club Board of directors. Previously she was a Hays Chamber Ambassador and a member of the Hays Young Professionals. She also participates in a number of annual community events, such as Special Olympics Kansas, Night to Shine, Pack the Pantry and volunteers with various local organizations whenever opportunities arise. Additionally, she is an active member in her church, Hays First United Methodist Church. In her free time, Chelsey enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, reading, traveling to new places and spending quality time with her family and friends. Ladd, her husband Aaron and their son Theodore reside in Hays, Kansas.
Rupp is the owner of Body+Soul Day and Wellness Spa and recently founded The Collective at Body+Soul. Rupp has been in the beauty industry for over 15 years and during that time was able to experience several roles within the industry including behind the chair, editorial stylist, instructor, and salon/spa management. In 2014 Rupp attended SWIHA in Tempe, Arizona and earned her 200hr yoga instructor certification through Yoga Alliance. She was recognized by the Hays community as Businesswoman of The Year in 2021. Her passion for creating a sense community can be felt from the moment you step foot into these businesses. She is enthusiastic, entertaining, loves to travel, and loves spending time outdoors. Kiley is a Nebraska native, but has lived in Hays for seven years. She and her husband have three kids and three dogs.
VonFeldt has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Astra Bank since 2013. VonFeldt is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a B.S. in Finance and a Masters’ degree in General Business. The on-going joke is that he couldn’t get a Masters in Finance because he had already taken every banking and finance class the University offered. VonFeldt’s banking career began with First National Bank of Hays in 2007 and has encompassed a little bit of everything including, Teller, Operations, Investment Officer and Loan Officer. In 2018, Bryan completed the three-year Graduate School of banking program at SWGSB, located on campus at SMU. Bryan lives in Hays with his wife, Brittney, and two children, Logan (7) and Kinlee (3). He has also been the Head coach for the TMP High School Boys golf team over the past 14 seasons and is an adjunct professor at FHSU for the Robbins Banking Institute. Bryan also serves on other local boards and committees including, FHSU Foundation, Heart of America Corp., and Heartland Parishes.
“Each of these individuals have the potential to make significant impacts on the organization,” Sara Bloom, Executive Director said. “It’s why they were chosen. This group, the current board, of men and women are exemplary leaders looking for other leaders to come alongside them and inspire, dream, and do. I have no doubt these three will do just that.”
All three new members began their 3-year term on January 1, 2022. DHDC board members can serve up to three consecutive terms before stepping down.
DHDC is a 501(c)3 created in 2001. It strives to be the binding force and catalyst for organizations impacting Historic Downtown Hays. DHDC represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning which enhances and secures the quality of life in the community. The organization fosters awareness by recognizing, communicating, and celebrating the accomplishments of Downtown Hays.
CORRECTION: The original story identified Ladd as a current member of the Hays Young Professionals and a Chamber Ambassador. She had previously served in those roles, but does not do so currently. Her bio was also updated to reflect her status as a board member of the Hays Kiwanis Club. Hays Post apologizes for the error.