4US is proud to be supported by dedicated Board members who all share in the 4US mission of making abortion rare through illuminating hope for women in crisis pregnancies.

Diego Wendt

Founder, Executive Director, Marketing/Outreach/Communications Director

Born in Italy and raised in the Midwest, Diego graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1991. He credits the Academy with providing him four very important attributes that remain with him to this day: faith; perseverance; the ability to operate on limited sleep; and his wife, Kim.

While deployed overseas in 2004, someone asked him what he was doing about the issue of abortion. After careful consideration of this question, Diego and Kim decided to start a charity committed to making abortions rare while avoiding the politics surrounding issue. In 2005, with very limited experience in fundraising and event management, the Wendts launched Ride4US with modest success. In the subsequent years, thanks to extraordinary staff members, 4US has grown to have a statewide impact and is laying the foundation for national growth.

In addition to being a husband, father of four and Air Force Reserve and Boeing pilot, Diego also oversees the day-to-day operations of the charity. He finds running an all-volunteer charity very similar to the military -- except no one is paid, money is tight, equipment is scarce, and the structure is very fluid. But similar to the military, 4US has assembled an amazing array of talented people who are mission-focused, willing to make sacrifices, and are committed to the cause. Most of those who meet Diego will all agree on the following: his passion for the 4US mission is contagious. Diego's favorite quote is "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." In his spare time he likes to watch movies with Kim, tickle his four children and sleep.

Doug Hopper

Board Member & Event Chief of Staff

Doug Hopper has been with 4US since the very beginning.

His interest in the organization began with a conversation with Diego Wendt, even though his interest in pro-life work goes back many years. Doug serves as a board member where he is often utilized as a jack of all trades, helping out wherever needed.

Doug has lived in Tacoma since marrying a Washingtonian thirty-four years ago. He and his wife, Anne, have raised six wonderful children. Even though he now resides in Washington State, he was born and raised in New York City and still considers the city his home. In his spare time, Doug enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

Becki Rutledge

Board Member & Donation/Registration Processing & Grant Writer

Raised in Lakewood, WA, Becki grew up in a Christian home as the daughter of a pastor. After marrying, and having three children, she became a volunteer at CareNet Pregnancy Center in order to help pregnant women in crisis.

It was through her work at CareNet where Becki was first introduced to 4US and became an active participant in the 4US flagship event. In her first year of participation, Becki became the first woman fundraising champion and was awarded a new road bike. Her resolve to become healthier resulted in a love for endurance events, long bike rides, half marathons and triathlons. In 2007, Becki became the Donations & Registration processor. As the donations processor for 4US, Becki is continually encouraged/blessed by each donation, those for thousands of dollars, and those for only two dollars. When Becki isn't busy being a mom or a 4US volunteer, she enjoys all things homemaking: cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, etc.
 

Frank Tyson

Board Member & Knights of Columbus Liaison

A convert to the Catholic religion in 1956, Frank joined the Knights of Columbus in 1964. He retired in 2006 and is now able to spend a lot more time with Roseann and their family, all of whom live in the Seattle area.

Frank's career spanned many verticals ranging from engineering of nuclear generating stations in the 70's, followed by design of system controls utility companies through the early 80's, followed by sales and technical marketing for several large computer manufacturers until his retirement in 2006. Frank moved to Washington State in 1977 joining the local Knights of Columbus in 2001 where he spent most of his time as an officer being awarded the honor of Grand Knight in 2007. In 2009, Frank and his wife were appointed the Pro Life Couple for the State of Washington and began working with 4US. Frank's goal with the 4US organization is to grow the partnership between the Knights and 4US to see that every crisis pregnancy center is equipped with ultrasounds machines within 6 years. This is a lofty goal, but as a 4US Board Member and Knights Washington State Chairman, Frank feels he can get both organizations to work together to work together to grow a similar mission. In his spare time, Frank enjoys spending time with his wife, five children and nine grandchildren.

Mike Kander

Non-Voting Board Member & Accountant

Mike Kander has been a CPA for 23 years and a CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) for 18 years. Mike is also a retired Lt. Colonel from the Air Force and Air Force Reserves where he served for 28 years.

While in the Air Force Reserves, Mike worked for 18 years as a State and Federal Auditor. After retiring from work with the Federal government in 2000, Mike opened his own practice where he works mostly with smaller, start up, not-for profits. He enjoys this particular clientele because they all have a worthy cause to make this world a better place and the Board Members who represent these organizations are always very enthusiastic about their work and helping people. It has been my pleasure to donate my services to the 4US organization as they represent one of those not for profits whose mission is to help others. As a non-voting Board Member, Mike obtained the 4US not-for-profit status and prepares the annual tax return. In Mike's spare time he can be found playing tennis, swimming, hiking or vacationing some place warm like Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean.