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Meet Our Team

President

Darrell Swank

As the current leader of the Rudd Foundation, Darrell Swank shares his vast experience as a highly successful business leader and financial executive with the Foundation board and staff. Darrell not only brings a wealth of business and financial knowledge, but also a passion for the Foundation’s mission and various charitable endeavors.

Born and raised in the state of Kansas, Darrell is particularly committed to supporting charitable organizations focused on the support and aid of Kansas residents and businesses and has steered the Foundation’s support of these local organizations throughout his years serving as a Foundation Board member. Darrell is also passionate about supporting young Kansans in their journeys through higher education. His support has impacted the growth of the Foundation’s scholarship program.

Darrell has worked with the Rudd Foundation and Rudd portfolio of companies in a variety of leadership roles, including as CFO and President, since 2006, and now serves as the President of Leslie Rudd Investment Company, Standard Beverage Corporation and numerous other related businesses. Darrell has also served on the Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board of the Rudd Foundation since 2017. Throughout his tenure with the Rudd businesses, Darrell worked hand-in-hand with Leslie Rudd until his passing in 2018, and now Leslie’s daughter, Samantha Rudd, in developing business and financial strategies throughout the Rudd investment group and is now a trusted steward of the Rudd family estate and trust portfolio.

A father of two daughters, Darrell is also a lifelong athlete and avid sports fan who is particularly passionate about University of Kansas basketball and Kansas City Royals baseball. In addition to golfing in his free time, he enjoys hiking with his daughters, who together have conquered many mountain trails throughout Colorado and the western U.S.

Prior to joining Leslie Rudd Investment Company, Darrell served as a Chief Financial Officer for a variety of large multi-national public and private companies, including Savista Corporation, Imperial Sugar Company, Purina Mills, Inc. and a division of Koch Industries. Darrell holds a B.A. in Economics from Bethany College and subsequently earned an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin – Red McCombs School of Business.

Vice President

Corri Roberts

Corri Roberts joined the Rudd portfolio in 2012, bringing a wealth of experience from her 19 years in management within the restaurant industry. Throughout her career, Corri has consistently embodied the Foundation’s mission of helping those who help themselves. She is deeply committed to mentoring others, always striving to help people recognize their full potential and build the confidence to become the best versions of themselves.

Known for her empathy, humility, compassion, and generosity, Corri’s qualities have been instrumental in shaping the Rudd Scholarship Program into what it is today. Her passion, creativity, and vision drive her work. As Vice President, she remains dedicated to being a good steward of Leslie Rudd’s legacy. Corri’s leadership continues to inspire and uplift those around her, making a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Corri’s energy and compassion for people are immediately evident to everyone who meets her. She is an active community volunteer at St. Peter's Catholic Church and St. Peter's Catholic School, serves on the board of directors for League 42, volunteers at The Lord's Diner, and has been involved as a volunteer at the Kansas Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Corri also holds certification as an Academic Life Coach.

Outside of work, Corri enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and three children. She eagerly awaits visits from her adult children, and you can often find them all together boating at Table Rock Lake.

Director

Alma Hidalgo-Blankinship

Alma joined the Rudd Foundation in 2020 and currently serves as Program Director, supporting the Junior Rudd Scholar Cohort and leading the Foundation's marketing and outreach efforts alongside our Marketing and Events Specialist, Bella. She also oversees the scholarship program’s Professional Development pillar, guiding all Rudd Scholars in their professional development journey.

Before joining the Foundation, Alma began her career at Fort Hays State University as an Admissions Counselor, recruiting high school seniors in southwest Kansas. She then continued her career at Kansas State University as the Coordinator of Orientation, Enrollment, and Recruitment events, working directly with incoming freshmen, transfer, and non-traditional students. Her most recent role was with Wichita State University’s Shocker Career Accelerator, where she provided professional development resources through workshops, events, and co-op/internship courses while collaborating with local, regional, and national employers to offer students professional opportunities.

Creative at heart, Alma enjoys projects involving wood burning, calligraphy, China painting, and graphic design. She recently won Blue Ribbons for her China painting at the Kansas State Fair. When not pursuing her creative passions, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Tuli and Yanni. Alma is also heavily involved with her sorority and is a member of the New Member Education National Committee for Delta Zeta, serves as the alumni chairman for Kansas, and is on the executive board for her local sorority alumni chapter. She was recently honored with the 35 Under 35 Delta Zeta award, recognizing women across the organization for their dedication to their careers and community. Alma also previously served as a board member of the Fort Hays Alumni Association.

Alma holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s degree in higher education student affairs, both from Fort Hays State University.

Director

Danielle Temel

Danielle serves as a Program Director at the Rudd Foundation, where she is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and empowering college students to reach their fullest potential. Since joining the Foundation in 2021 as a Program Manager, Danielle has played an integral role in supporting scholars throughout their academic journeys, fostering meaningful relationships, and helping shape programs that promote student success, leadership, and long-term achievement.

With a career rooted in higher education, Danielle has served in a variety of student-centered roles, each reinforcing her passion for helping students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and achieve their goals. Her commitment to educational access and student development inspired her to pursue a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from Baker University, where she deepened her expertise in leadership, organizational development, and student success.

Danielle leads with empathy, compassion, and a genuine belief in the transformative power of education. She strives to create environments where students feel supported, valued, and equipped to thrive, carrying these principles into every aspect of her work at the Rudd Foundation.

Outside of her professional life, Danielle enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, staying active, and pursuing one of her favorite personal goals, reading 100 books each year.

Senior Program Manager

Carolyn Tatro

Carolyn began her career with the Rudd Foundation in 2024 and is responsible for enhancing and developing the Rudd Scholars Alumni Program as it grows. She also supports a cohort of scholars on their college journey.

Her passion for higher education stems from her 8 years at Fort Hays State University. Her experience spans from admissions and recruitment to alumni engagement, connecting people to one another in various ways. Today, she leverages her experience to help elevate our rapidly growing alumni program, coordinating events and programs that help keep the Rudd Scholar family engaged long after graduation.

Carolyn and her husband, Austin, have four young children and two dogs. They spend much of their time taking the kids to different activities, enjoy attending sporting events together, and exploring all the Wichita hot spots.

Program Manager

Johnny Sanchez

Johnny joined the Rudd Foundation in the summer of 2024. In his role, he supports the freshman cohorts at Wichita State University and Fort Hays State University, ensuring a smooth transition for our younger scholars by providing continuous support and resources. Johnny also oversees the Foundation’s mentorship program across our four partnering universities, a scholarship program pillar focused on both professional and personal development.

A proud alumnus of Wichita State University, Johnny graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in May 2022. After graduation, he traveled as a Regional Director for his national fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, offering recruitment, retention, and strategic planning assistance to chapters across the Midwest and Southeast. He later worked as an accountant for Koch Industries and most recently served as an investment analyst for a fintech startup in Kansas City. Known as the office expert in Excel, Johnny is the go-to person for anything related to spreadsheets.

Outside of work, Johnny has recently taken up running and enjoys exploring new sports, especially nontraditional ones like rock climbing, disc golf, ultimate frisbee, and pickleball. A tech enthusiast at heart, he has always been passionate about gaming, building his own PCs, and staying updated on the latest tech trends. As a native Kansan, Johnny is an avid supporter of all Kansas sports teams, with a special fondness for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Program Manager

Tony Mai

Tony has been part of the Rudd Foundation family since 2024 and finds deep value in walking alongside Rudd Scholars as they navigate their college journey. With a comprehensive background in macro social work and systems-level thinking, Tony brings a holistic and human-centered approach to supporting students both on and off campus.

As a lifelong learner, Tony champions the development of next-generation leaders by connecting sound learning, civic engagement, and professional development.

Proudly calling Wichita, KS his hometown, Tony dedicates his educational journey to his parents and grandmother, who are Vietnamese immigrants. His multiracial upbringing has shaped his worldview in many ways, most importantly in the way he continues to reflect, engage, and lead with curiosity, intention, and care. As a first-generation college student and leadership practitioner, his life philosophy is to lead boldly and compassionately through impactful dialogue and thoughtful mentorship.

Outside of work, Tony is committed to fitness, community service, and personal growth. He advises the Kansas Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta and volunteers with W Young Professionals and the National Association of Asian American Professionals.

A social worker at heart, Tony’s favorite career highlights include graduating from the City of Wichita’s Citizens Fire Academy and meeting former President Joe Biden as a Victory Empowerment Fellow.

Marketing and Events Specialist

Bella Kilman

Bella Kilman joined the Rudd Foundation as a Marketing Intern in August 2024 and transitioned to a full-time role as Marketing and Events Specialist in May 2026. As a 2023 Rudd Scholar herself, Bella brings a unique perspective to her work, combining firsthand experience with a deep appreciation for the Foundation's mission of helping students reach their full potential.

In her role, Bella leads the Foundation's marketing efforts and supports the planning and execution of events that connect scholars, alumni, and partners. She is especially passionate about creating opportunities for scholars to build relationships, gain confidence, and make lasting memories throughout their college journey. The Freshman Retreat is one of her favorite projects, offering the amazing opportunity to welcome new scholars and help set the tone for their experience in the program.

Bella earned her bachelor’s degrees in marketing and international business from Wichita State University, where she also gained experience in event marketing. She will begin pursuing her MBA with an emphasis in Marketing at Wichita State University in August 2026. Her creativity, strategic mindset, and eye for design help bring the Foundation's mission to life while highlighting the people and stories that make the Rudd Scholar Family so special.

Outside of work, Bella enjoys spending time with friends, visiting the lake, and going for walks. Whether she is planning an event, developing a marketing campaign, or simply connecting with scholars, Bella is driven by a genuine passion for people and a desire to help others feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

Controller

Becky Mason

Becky manages all facets of the Foundation's accounting needs including but not limited to the annual tax return, grant documentation, required distributions, and assisting with all IRS compliance requirements. She has worked closely with the Rudd Portfolio of companies since 2011 where her primary focus has been on the family office side.

Prior to joining the Rudd Portfolio of companies, Becky worked for Hawker Beechcraft for 5 years as a financial analyst for Resale aircraft in the Commercial Business Management Group and later moved to cost accounting for the King Air line.

Becky began her studies at Des Moines Area Community College earning her Associates Degree in Accounting before transferring to Kansas State University to finish her education where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a minor in Economics.

Outside of work, Becky is an avid reader but, in the evenings, and most weekends can be found cheering on her kids at their various sporting events, volunteering her time keeping books on the sideline or coaching youth sports in the Udall community, and helping out with the livestock on the family farm. Becky also serves on the Board of Education for USD 463.

General Counsel

Angie Gregory

Angie provides legal and contractual support for all foundation matters, and ensures the foundation and it’s board remains in compliance with all IRS regulations. She is also responsible for assisting the foundation board members in the conduct of their duties by providing appropriate legal advice. As Board Secretary, Angie assists with the execution of board meetings and records the minutes of all business. Previously, Angie was an Attorney with Cargill Meat Solutions and an Associate Attorney with Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Baker University, and has passed the Bar Exam for both Kansas and Missouri.

A wife and mother of three kids, Angie is also an avid runner and recently completely the Boston Marathon. She is also a member of the Education Committee at Trinity United Christian Church, as well as a teacher in the Youth Education program there. Angie is actively involved with the Parent Teacher Organization in the Cheney school district and volunteers as a Youth Coach with the Cheney Recreation Commission. Angie earned her Law Degree from Washburn University where she was the Editor of the Law Journal and winner of the Martin Pringle Moot Court Award, and completed her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Friends University.

Our Board of Trustees

Samantha Rudd

BOARD MEMBER

Andrea Rudd Skibell

BOARD MEMBER

Steven Kay

BOARD MEMBER

Pat Roney

BOARD MEMBER

Jeff Seidel

BOARD MEMBER

Darrell Swank

BOARD MEMBER