Richard A. Bendis converted a successful career in the private sector and venture capital areas into strong leadership for the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC). He was involved with KTEC from its creation in 1987-2001 and was appointed by the Governor of Kansas as the board’s first chairman and named its president in 1994. Bendis received the 1996 Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award from the Kansas and Western Missouri Entrepreneur of the Year Program.

 Bendis currently serves on the Board of Innovation Philadelphia and is the new President & CEO of True Product ID, a company penetrating the Chinese market with high-technology surveillance systems. 

Bendis worked with Rebecca in organizing the IMPACT Conference in Philadelphia. He was a judge at Temple University’s Business Plan Competition, where The Rebecca Davis Dance Company won first place in May 2004. He has been an active mentor of Rebecca and is committed to seeing a young entrepreneur succeed in Philadelphia.