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 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 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.
Kenneth Frank
South Carolina • Florida
Background
Early independence: At 17, Kenneth entered the workforce to avoid the student-debt trap so many peers faced, choosing real-world experience over institutional promises.
Frontline experience: Door-to-door solar sales taught him how to listen to everyday Americans about rising costs, financial pressure, and the gap between political rhetoric and community needs.
Voice against injustice: From challenging corrupt authority in school to supporting community protests, he has consistently spoken up when leadership failed the people.
Public advocate: Kenneth uses public speaking to cut through noise and amplify working families, focusing on practical solutions over empty promises.
Journey of opportunity: Raised in South Carolina and relocating to Florida at 22, he embodies the American story of working hard, seeking opportunity, and staying rooted in community values.
Mission: As Steward of Infrastructure & Accountability, Kenneth is committed to transparent governance, ethical leadership, and empowering local communities to hold leaders accountable and reclaim control over decisions that shape daily life.
Join Us in Reclaiming Democracy
These Stewards don't lead because they seek power. They serve because the people need champions. Will you join them?