From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...
When Kris Sundahl’s family learned he might not be able to attend the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce banquet, they had to get creative. The result was to tell him a big white lie.
Kris was taken aside and informed that his mom, Nancy, was going to be named Citizen of the Year and that he must attend the banquet to present her with the award. And, of course, he couldn’t say anything to her because the name of the winner is kept hush-hush until the banquet.
Little did he know that he would be honored with the NextGen Award at the annual chamber gathering.
“He said he would be coaching basketball out of town that weekend and was iffy on getting back in time for the banquet,” Nancy recalled. “We had to do something to make sure he came. It is safe to say the NextGen honor would come as a very, very big surprise.”
Criteria for the award include being a leader in the work environment, as well as in the community. The nominee must also create a meaningful impact on the community and be seen as a rising leader.
“Kris demonstrates every day why he deserves this prestigious recognition,” Nancy commented. “He is a leader who adds meaning to life, whether at home or at work.”
Kris, 45, is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, 2016 19th. He is a single dad with two sons – Jakoby, 12, and Dylan, 10.
After he moved back to Great Bend in 2018, “he had the opportunity to work for Edward Jones,” Nancy said. “Kris also wanted to get involved in his community and joined the Chamber; he is still an ambassador. He wants to give back to the community that has given so much to him.
“Kris has been successful at his job, in part, because the guidance of Sonya Rein,” she added. “Also, he has time to be available to his boys and participate in their activities. They also enjoy the outdoors and finding new places to hike and explore nature.”
Kris has a long history of coaching many youth sports, noted his dad, Kevin. “But it is not just about the games; it is about life – the ups and downs, the wins and losses.
“When things don’t go your way or you face obstacles, you find a way to work through it,” Kevin continued. “Kris is great coach, has a good work ethic and is an excellent role model for young people.”
More background
Kris is a 1997 graduate of Great Bend High School and earned an associate’s degree in general studies two years later at Barton Community College. He went on to receive his bachelor’s in psychology in 2001 at Kansas State University and a master’s in history in 2015 at Wichita State University.
From 2002-16, he was in law enforcement at Hutchinson, where he was a school resource officer for the school district.
“Kris enjoyed law enforcement but wanted to be able to spend more time with his sons,” Kevin said.
Jan Westfall, community leader who nominated Kris for the NextGen recognition, said “he is dedicated to this community and wants to continue to be a vital part of its growth and success. Kris wants to build for the future, not only for himself but for his two boys.
“It is important to Kris to show his children the benefits of supporting your community and getting involved in civic groups, church and school activities.”
Westfall also noted the extent of his community involvement. Kris is vice president of the Noon Lions Club; vice president of the USD 428 Education Foundation board; Family Crisis Center board member; and active member of Prince of Peace Parish and supporter of Holy Family School where his children are students.
“On top of all that, Kris finds time to be a college basketball official and volunteers as a youth coach of basketball, baseball and football,” Westfall pointed out.
Sonya Rein, another nominator, said “Kris has spent his life serving others in many capacities; he has a passion for helping others. He exemplifies the Edward Jones mission, which is to partner for positive impact, improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.
“His Edward Jones branch continues to rise in the ranks of Practice Level Management,” continued Rein, senior branch office administrator. “And most important, Kris is a dedicated single dad who is a perfect fit for the NextGen Award criteria.”
The award is sponsored by the Barton County Young Professionals, a chamber program.
ABOUT NEXTGEN LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The NextGen Leader of the Year award is presented annually to an individual creating a meaningful impact as a rising leader in Barton County, Kansas. Nominees are leaders in their work environment, as well as in the community. This award is presented by the Barton County Young Professionals, a program of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.
Additional criteria include:
· The nominee must be affiliated with a member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.
· The nominee must have lived in the Great Bend service area for at least three years.
· Nominee must be seen as a leader in their work environment, as well as in the community.
· Nominee must create a meaningful impact in the community and be seen as a rising leader.
Previous NextGen Award Recipients
2022 Megan Hammeke
2021 Chuy Loera
2020 Andrea Bauer
2019 Ryan Fairchild
2018 Rachel Mawhirter
2017 Jason Mayers
2016 Regan Reif
2015 Matt Hiss
2014 Dr. Nels Lindberg
2013 Kristy Straub
2012 Cody Lee