MARC News

MARC honors regional leaders

September 17, 2009

MARC presented its Regional Leadership Awards at its 13th Annual Regional Assembly on Wednesday, September 16. The 2009 recipients were:

• 
  From left: Kliff Kuehl, Barbara Vernon, Cindy Kemper, Dennis Murphey, Kenneth and Ann Baum
  Kenneth and Ann Baum have left an indelible mark on the region with a thoughtful approach to philanthropy. Through their family foundation, the Baums are long-time supporters of early learning, the arts and natural resource protection. They are known as good listeners who give from the heart and become involved in the projects they support. Ann and Kenny are active advocates for quality early learning, and are skilled at engaging other civic and business leaders in the cause.
• Kansas City Public Television educates and enriches the community with quality programming and services that entertain us, challenge our minds and contribute to life-long learning. KCPT is a strong community partner, helping to inform area residents on a diverse range of issues. In 2009, KCPT partnered with MARC to create Imagine KC, an innovative regional dialogue about the region’s future, which culminated in a live broadcast viewed by more than 70,000 households. The award was accepted by KCPT Station President Kliff Kuehl.
• Cindy Kemper has been an active steward of the environment throughout her career. From managing MARC’s air quality program in the 1980s to directing programs for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the 1990s to her current position as environmental department director in Johnson County, Kan., Cindy has demonstrated a leadership style that focuses on collaboration. Cindy co-chairs MARC’s CMAQ committee and is an influential voice on the Air Quality Forum.
• Dennis Murphey has more than 30 years of environmental management experience in both the public and private sectors. Dennis led the city’s efforts to adopt a progressive Climate Protection Plan, and he actively promotes responsible, sustainable practices. His support is invaluable to a variety of regional initiatives, including the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Climate Protection Partnership, the movement to become America’s Green Region and the new Green Impact Zone.
• Barbara Vernon, who retired in 2008 after 30 years as Prairie Village city administrator, is a mentor and role model for many women in public service. She was an active member of MARC’s Managers Roundtable, always providing thoughtful advice on how regional efforts could best meet the needs of local governments. Known for her quiet, unassuming leadership style, Barbara had a powerful influence on regional issues and served as a shining example of city leadership.

The awards honor community leaders who have advanced a vision of a strong, healthy region, demonstrated commitment to its growth, and encouraged others to support and work towards that vision.

The keynote address on "Advancing Social Equity for a Stronger Region" was given by Angela Glover Blackwell, founder and chief executive officer of PolicyLink.

Return to News Archives
Return to MARC Home Page