DHDC

Downtown Hays Development Corporation today announced the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.

The three new directors are Chelsey Ladd, Kiley Rupp and Bryan Vonfeldt.

Ladd is originally from Hays and graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is currently the Director of Voter Services for the office of US Senator Jerry Moran. In this capacity, she manages the day-to-day operations of Senator Moran’s Voter Services Division, leading a team of 10 social workers. She is very active in the Hays community and sits on the Board of Trustees of the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association and the Board of Trustees of the Hays Kiwanis Club. 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. In addition, she is an active member of her church, Hays First United Methodist Church. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, reading, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with 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 this time he has been 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 obtained his 200 hour yoga instructor certification through Yoga Alliance. She was recognized by the Hays community as 2021 Business Woman of the Year. Her passion for building a community of the senses can be felt from the moment you step into these businesses. She is enthusiastic, entertaining, loves to travel and enjoys spending time outdoors. Kiley is originally from Nebraska, but has lived in Hays for seven years. She and her husband have three children and three dogs.

VonFeldt has been Chief Financial Officer of Astra Bank since 2013. VonFeldt graduated from Fort Hays State University with a BS in Finance and an MA in General Affairs. The recurring joke is that he couldn’t get a master’s degree in finance because he had already taken all of the banking and finance courses offered by the university. VonFeldt’s banking career began with the First National Bank of Hays in 2007 and has encompassed a bit of everything including cashier, operations, investment manager and loan officer. In 2018, Bryan completed the three-year program at the Graduate School of Banking at SWGSB, located on the SMU campus. Bryan lives in Hays with his wife, Brittney, and two children, Logan (7) and Kinlee (3). He has also been the Head Coach of the TMP High School Boys Golf Team for the past 14 seasons and is an FHSU Assistant Professor for the Robbins Banking Institute. Bryan also sits on other local boards and committees including the FHSU Foundation, Heart of America Corp. and Heartland Parishes.

“Each of these people has the potential to have a significant impact on the organization,” said Sara Bloom, Chief Executive Officer. “That’s why they were chosen. This group, the current board, of men and women are exemplary leaders looking for other leaders to accompany them and inspire, dream and do. I have no doubt that these three will do just that.

The three new members began their 3-year terms on January 1, 2022. DHDC board members can serve up to three consecutive terms before stepping down.

DHDC is a 501 (c) 3 established in 2001. It strives to be the connecting force and catalyst for organizations impacting historic downtown Hays. DHDC represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning that improves and ensures the quality of life in the community. The organization promotes 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 House Ambassador. She had previously held these roles, but is not currently doing so. His biography has also been updated to reflect his status as a member of the Hays Kiwanis Club Board of Directors. Hays Post apologizes for the error.