Ruritan National March 2026 Newsletter

Ruritan National Staff

Sarah Kelly Executive Director - Voice Mail 1305 sarah.kelly@ruritan.org

Sarah serves as Chief Operating Officer of Ruritan National, Ruritan National Foundation, and Ruritan National Project FOCUS, providing executive leadership and operational oversight across all three organizations. She serves as an advisory member to all national standing committees and leads organizational strategy and program implementation initiatives. Her areas of responsibility include strategic planning, financial management, budgeting and investments, membership services, membership growth and training, and major event planning. Sarah maintains overall responsibility for employee supervision, office administration, corporate legal compliance, and facilities operations. She represents Ruritan in relationships with partner organizations, government entities, and media outlets, serving as a key organizational spokesperson. In addition, she oversees editorial direction and serves as editor of the RURITAN magazine, the Ruritan newsletter, and other official publications. Craig serves as the primary point of contact for member inquiries and organizational correspondence, ensuring all questions and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally. He provides guidance and support regarding the Member Management System and distributes general organizational information as needed. He maintains the integrity of membership records by entering new club and member information and processing updates not completed directly by members or club officers. Craig also prepares and distributes new club charter kits and new member kits. In addition, he conducts research and coordinates recognition programs, including Blue Ribbon, Outstanding Club President, Outstanding Club Secretary, and Outstanding Club Treasurer awards. He prepares Community Service Awards and club anniversary certificates and processes quarterly reports, district officer reports, national officer reports, President’s Golden Key requests, and Ruritan Forever applications. Craig maintains the central filing system and oversees current National candidate records to ensure accurate and organized documentation. Craig Whitt Membership/Member Services - Voice Mail 1312 craig.whitt@ruritan.org

Bessie McCormick Foundation - Voice Mail 1302 foundation@ruritan.org

Bessie maintains the accounting system of the Ruritan National Foundation, processing the receipt of donations, and the disbursement of scholarships and expenses. She maintains the Foundation’s Build Your Dollars (BY$) program, Birthday Club program, Tom Downing awards, Garland Gray awards, endowed (contract) funds, and funds database. She ensures accurate tracking and compliance across all funds, and supports monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting requirements. She maintains the Foundation information on the website. She works with the auctions at Foundation Weekend and National Convention.

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