By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Trying to pull off a surprise when it comes to handing out awards through the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is not always easy. Kris Sundahl was honored with the NextGen Leader of the Year award at this past weekend’s Chamber banquet, an award given to an individual making a meaningful impact as a rising leader in Barton County.
Out of town coaching youth basketball for his sons, Sundahl’s family told him his mother was receiving an award. Making it back for the event, Sundahl eventually realized it was him receiving the honor.
"I saw my mom get her phone out when Megan Hammeke was up there presenting," said Sundahl. "I thought that was kind of weird. When Megan started talking about the winner is a 1997 Great Bend High School graduate, I figured out she was talking about me."
Sundahl is a financial advisor at Edward Jones since moving back to Great Bend in 2018. He worked in law enforcement in Hutchinson prior to moving back to his hometown. Along with volunteering as a youth coach, Sundahl participates with several civic groups and is a collegiate basketball official.
"My parents have been involved in the community forever," said Sundahl. "It was just ingrained in us growing up. I spent time as a law enforcement officer before I moved back here. I had always been involved in the community in some facet."
Other winners last weekend included Mark Bitter being named Citizen of the Year and Spectrum CPA earning Business of the Year.
"Even when I started working with Edward Jones, I have good examples from the Armatys family and Jim Vopat. They've been pillars in the community and given back."