Regional Leadership Awards

About the Regional Leadership Awards

Through the Regional Leadership Awards, the Mid-America Regional Council recognizes people and institutions whose exemplary leadership and vision have made a significant, enduring impact on the Kansas City area — at the regional or local level.

Award recipients advance a vision of a strong, healthy region; demonstrate commitment to its growth; and encourage others to support and work toward that vision.

MARC’s Regional Leadership Awards recognize leadership and excellence in:

  • Advocating for regional concepts, approaches and programs.
  • Advancing the vision of the region as a community of excellence.
  • Addressing regional challenges.
  • Applying innovative solutions to regional problems.
  • Achieving improved quality of life and opportunity for the region's residents.

The 2026 awards will be presented at the MARC Regional Assembly, to be held Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. 

Regional Leadership Awards

2026 Regional Leadership Award Recipients

Please join us in celebrating the awardees during the Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.

Community Capital Fund logo showing an outline of a house and a smiling face

Community Capital Fund

For its vital work supporting neighborhoods, grassroots organizations, small businesses and local governments across the Kansas City region, as well as CCF’s fiscal expertise, technical assistance and collaborative spirit, which have strengthened local capacity and delivered lasting benefits.

Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City

Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City

For its sustained and expanding commitment to affordable housing across the region, as well as for leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to advance both individual home ownership and regional economic stability.

Portrait of Bob Kendrick

Bob Kendrick

For his long-standing efforts to elevate the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum as a shared regional asset rooted in history, as well as his exemplary leadership, which has elevated our region’s culture and our pride as a community and broadened the museum’s impact for future generations.

Portrait of Tom Gerend

Tom Gerend

For his pivotal role in positioning the Kansas City Streetcar as a true bi-state force and catalyst for regional growth, as well as for his ability to unite partners to deliver lasting improvements for residents across the region — demonstrating the power of effective collaboration. 

Distinguished Board Service Award

A portrait of Marge Vogt

Marge Vogt

For her long-term commitment to the MARC Board, having served 19 years, including two years as chair, and contributions through other MARC committees and national-level leadership that elevated important regional issues. During her 28 years of service as an Olathe councilmember, she advanced the quality of life for residents of her community and across our region and beyond. 

Past Regional Leadership Award Recipients

2024 Regional Leadership Award recipients with MARC leadership
Janeé Hanzlick and David Warm with the 2024 Regional Leadership Award honorees

2025

Community Services League, Dr. Kristin Feeback, KCUR, Kristin Riott

2024

Kansas City, Missouri, Aviation Department, Gloria Ortiz-Fisher, Julie Lorenz, Carolyn Wells

2023

Dr. Kimberly Beatty; Bryan Dehner; George Guastello; Parade of Hearts

2022

Ed Eilert; Dan Manley; Kathy Nelson; Dr. Steven Stites

2021

AltCap; Climate Action Kansas City; Steve Arbo and Bill Ebel; Dr. Rodney Smith and Stephenie Smith

2020

Paused due to pandemic

2019

Maria Meyers; Desiree Monize; Mayor David Slater; West Central Missouri Community Action Agency

2018

KC Scholars; Jewel Scott; Sheila Tracy; Truman Heartland Community Foundation

2017

PREP-KC; Dr. Lee Norman; KCATA; Sheriff Mark Owen

2016

Dr. Doug Girod and Scott Smith; KC Healthy Kids; Dr. John Nalbandian; Gene Shepherd

2015

Kirk Davis; Ellen Hanson; Jewish Family Services; Brian Nowotny; Gene Wilson

2014

Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and REACH Healthcare Foundation; Mark Randall; Don Reimal; Shepherd’s Centers

2013

Todd Ackerson; Mike Burke; Dr. Ray Daniels; CASA of Jackson County and CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties; Eric Rogers

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