The Golden Belt Community Foundation recently announced the addition of the two board members to the 2013-2014 Board of Directors.
Amber Rugan, originally from Kansas City, relocated to Barton County in 2004. Amber graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and lives with her husband, Brent, and daughters, Penelope and Fiona, on their Stafford County farm. She is active in the local non-profit and small business communities where she encourages growth and sustainability. Amber is eager to use her background in event organization, project management, fundraising, community building, and youth development to further the mission of the foundation.
Sarah Johnson was born and raised in Larned. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a BBA in Finance and now works as an Enrolled Agent at VonFeldt, Bauer, & VonFeldt, Chtd. In addition, she is also a fully licensed financial advisor and owner of Sarah Johnson Consulting. She is a past Board of Director for the Larned Chamber of Commerce and is active in Kappa Psi Sorority, a local service organization. Sarah and her husband, Marc, live in Larned with their children, Marleigh and Kade.
The 2013-2014 Golden Belt Community Foundation Board members are: Mark Bitter, Great Bend; Melanie Calcara, Great Bend; Joan Dreher, La Crosse; Randy Goering, Great Bend; Sarah Johnson, Larned; Amber Littler, McCracken; Devin McMillen, Great Bend; Steve Miller, Burdett; Tammy Rosenberg, St. John; Amber Rugan, Ellinwood; Dr. Ron Sandstrom, La Crosse; Gary Seibert, Macksville; Tom Smith, Garfield; Paul Snapp, Great Bend; and Kathy Straub, Great Bend.
The Foundation also welcomed Sue Cooper as the new Program Officer and Valerie Johnson as Administrative Assistant earlier this year.
Sue will manage the Grant and Scholarship programs, along with Leadership Golden Belt. She is a Great Bend native and an active participant in several volunteer positions within the community. She graduated from Friends University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership Management and received a Graduate Certificate, in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. She brings years of experience from working in financial aid office at Barton Community College and has a personal interest in educational and health related philanthropy.
Valerie and her family have recently moved to Great Bend from Wichita. After graduating from K-State, Valerie worked in corporate communications before taking a hiatus to homeschool her children. A native of La Crosse, she is looking forward to meeting people and getting involved in the community.
About the Foundation
At $11.7 million in total assets and over 140 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. For more information about the Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.