Turning momentum into impact: MARC's 2026 Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards

More than 500 people from across the region attended the event.

The program included a luncheon, an overview of MARC’s focus areas and recognition of the 2026 Regional Leadership Awards honorees.

Beto Lopez, mayor of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and chair of the MARC Board of Directors, led the program. "As I look around the room, I see leaders and partners from across our nine-county region," stated Mayor Lopez. "We come from different communities, but we share a common purpose: working together through MARC to serve our residents and strengthen the Kansas City region. This year’s theme, 'Turning Momentum Into Impact,' feels especially timely. Over the past year, our region has reached important milestones and taken on opportunities that will shape our future."

David Warm, MARC's executive director, introduced the year in review, recapping the work the region has accomplished together in the past 12 months.

"I think we are in an extraordinary era for Kansas City — it is evident not only in major events and major investments on every front, but in our civic spirit — our sense that we can do big things. It is simply hard not to be bullish about this town," stated Warm. "Yet our theme is not only about our ambition. It is also about our ability to make a difference, a lasting difference for our communities and the people we serve."

"All of us who worked with Marge deeply respect her leadership. She is thoughtful, community-minded and effective in building relationships," said Mayor Lopez during the award presentation.

"I accept this recognition with gratitude and humility, but also pride," said Vogt. "It's not a reflection of one individual's work. It's a collaboration. And today is a celebration of what we accomplish together when we lead with public service in focus, cooperation and a shared vision for the future."

MARC also honored the recipients of the 2026 Regional Leadership Awards. The 2026 Regional Leadership Award recipients are:

Tom Gerend

For his pivotal role in positioning the Kansas City Streetcar as a true bistate 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. 

"Thank you to the amazing Streetcar team, to the Board and to the folks who've been working so our city can accomplish big things... We still have more to do, and we look forward to keeping Kansas City moving," said Gerend.

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.

Phyllis Hardwick, executive director of Community Capital Fund, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

"When my friends and family come to Kansas City, they say, 'I always know exactly where I am, because that heart is everywhere. It's on every t-shirt, every mug.' And that's important because it lives and breathes and shows what we want to be and how we want to show up," said Hardwick during the event.

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.

Lindsay Hicks, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. 

"When we create pathways to affordable homeownership, with housing stability, we're not only strengthening individual families. We're strengthening neighborhoods for supporting workforce, building a more resilient and prosperous region for everyone," said Hicks when accepting the award. 

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.

"I just wanted to be on Buck's team," said Kendrick in his acceptance speech. "I started as a volunteer. I just wanted to assist Buck O’Neil and the others who were involved with this Museum as best as I could. I had no idea that it was going to turn into a career, and to be honest, I think, one of the most gratifying things I think I could have ever done, either personally or professionally. Any time that you do something that you know is bigger than you are, there is no greater reward."