Who We Are
Meet the servant leaders stewarding Project 535's mission to restore democracy to the people.
Our Stewardship Model
Project 535 is led by three elected Stewards who serve term-limited roles. These aren't career positions - they're acts of service. Each Steward protects a vital aspect of our mission, ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with our core values.
Authority is an entrustment from the people, not a permanent rank.
The Three Stewards
Rich Vengels
Age 39 | Clearfield, Utah
Background
Military Heritage: Grew up as a military brat and served 20 years in the military. Has lived across America - Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Dakota, California, and now Utah - experiencing urban and rural communities, wealthy and struggling neighborhoods, self-sustaining and government-reliant areas.
Education & Expertise: Holds a BA and MA in Management. Brings deep understanding of government processes, legal systems, military infrastructure, and constitutional principles.
Personal Journey: Father of four and married, Rich has spent years figuring out his place in the world. He recently concluded that the current system no longer serves citizens' interests and decided to act.
Founder: The Informed Constitutional Republic Initiative - a non-partisan, non-biased, plain-English civic education nonprofit focused on helping Americans learn and understand their rights and place in civics.
Formative Experience: Growing up on military installations meant living in societies largely absent of prejudice and bias. Always challenging systems and norms, Rich became someone who doesn't accept the status quo. In 2004, he was selected to participate in the American Legion's Boys State Program in Missouri, heightening his understanding of how the Constitution serves the people, not the government.
Dakota Ruddick
Age 31 | Fort Wayne, Indiana
Background
Traditional Path: Growing up in the system most do, Dakota followed what he was told would lead to future opportunity and success. He attended Purdue University, focusing on Construction Management.
Eye-Opening Experiences: During college, Dakota traveled to Australia and France. These experiences opened his eyes to the world and how things are done elsewhere, broadening his perspective beyond the American system.
Reality of Student Debt: Completing college was a great accomplishment, but it also meant entering the workforce with $45,000 in debt - a reality that shaped his understanding of the economic challenges facing everyday Americans.
Community Builder: Focused on general contracting, Dakota builds relationships with customers while trying to strengthen communities. He understands that real change happens at the local level.
Mission: Dakota is determined to get the transfer of wealth and power in this nation under control. He's committed to helping other citizens better understand how they can work in their local communities to better serve themselves and reclaim their power.
Your Name Here?
Position Vacant
This Could Be You
The position of Steward of Infrastructure & Accountability is currently vacant, with an election coming soon.
What This Role Entails: This Steward oversees operations, ethics, finance, and ensures Project 535 maintains the highest standards of transparency and accountability. They combine operational excellence with unwavering ethical standards.
Who We're Looking For: Someone with operational experience, a commitment to transparency, financial literacy, and most importantly - a servant's heart. This isn't a position of power; it's a position of responsibility to the people.
Term-Limited Service: Like all Steward positions, this is a 6-month term. Authority is an entrustment from the people, not a permanent rank.
Interested in serving?
If you believe you have the skills, integrity, and dedication to serve as a Steward, we want to hear from you. Join our Discord community to learn more about the upcoming election process.
Join Our DiscordJoin Us in Reclaiming Democracy
These Stewards don't lead because they seek power. They serve because the people need champions. Will you join them?