When one thinks about leadership and styles of leadership, they soon understand that leadership comes in many forms. This year the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation will recognize two individuals as the Wall of Honor inductees whose leadership is so genuine and true to their nature, it is simply a part of who they are and in all they do. They view leadership more as a servanthood, where they give to others and serve others, never with a desire for recognition, but because they feel they have been blessed in their lives, their family and their friends. Whether it is through volunteering, leading or serving on committees, this couple provides valuable insight, direction, and opinions which help guide and grow the project or organization. 

It’s been said by many that you can accomplish great things if you don’t care who gets the recognition – this is a mantra that rings true for the 2025 Wall of Honor inductees Hal & Ann Sankey.

Hal and Ann both grew up showing and exhibiting at the Kansas State Fair. As avid 4-H members, they prepared and exhibited their cattle projects at the Kansas State Fair and livestock shows across the country; Ann showing Polled Hereford cattle, while Hal exhibited Angus and Simmental cattle. A love for livestock, the beef industry and the Kansas State Fair became a part of their DNA as young exhibitors. This was fueled by a rich history of their families exhibiting at the state fair which dates back to grandfathers, fathers and siblings showing livestock.   They turned that love of the beef industry into their field of study at Kansas State University and then into very successful careers in the beef industry. Ann worked for Cargill until they decided to start a family. Hal spent 32 years with Cargill’s Beef and Food Distribution businesses, holding senior leadership roles including 12 years leading Cargills beef pricing team. Since retiring from Cargill, Hal continues to work in the beef industry as a Beef Pricing Advisor to industry leading companies across the United States. In addition, Hal helps oversee the operations at Sankey Ranch, a multi-generation ranch located near Sterling, Kansas. 

For Hal and Ann, the common interest in the beef industry introduced them to one another, which then became a foundation of friendship and a love that joined two incredible servant-leaders together into a family – and Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Kansas State Fair are thankful for this union. When you think about Hal and Ann, from a volunteer standpoint, Ann stepped forward in serving on and then taking leadership positions on the Grand Drive committee of the Kansas State Fair.

When describing Hal and Ann Sankey the following words are often used. Considerate, appreciative, welcoming, generous, thoughtful, caring, intuitive, strategic, conscientious, gracious, genuine, helpful, and simply great people.

While only one of their names may have been on the committee or board roster – with this power couple – the organization always benefited from the expertise of both Hal and Ann.  Ann is a caring, passionate and driven individual which is complemented by Hal’s astute business and analytic intuition.

The Sankeys have dedicated almost a decade of their life to growing and improving the Grand Drive at the Kansas State Fair. You will find them behind the scenes doing whatever needs to be done to assist with the execution of the shows and activities. In 2021, as the Foundation reorganized its leadership structure to include a representative from the Grand Drive committee, Ann, chairperson of the Grand Drive committee at that time, was asked to serve in that capacity on the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation board.

Ann took her role on the Foundation board very seriously, serving on multiple committees and working behind the scenes with Hal to assist with the expansion of the Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Boots and Bling, through sponsorships, securing items for and helping to set up both the silent auction and live auction displays for the event. They often ran errands, provided meals, and assisted wherever needed and doing whatever needs done to ensure a successful event.

It wasn’t long until Ann’s fellow board members recognized her passion for the organization and for improving the Kansas State Fair and asked her to serve on the Foundation’s building committee to oversee the development and construction of what is now called the 1861 Club. Their service did not stop with the building committee and the kitchen committee. When it came time to set up the 1861 Club to be ready for the 2024 Kansas State Fair, they picked up equipment, put together furniture, and again did whatever needed to be done. During the 2024 Kansas State Fair, you would often see Hal and Ann helping out at the 1861 Club. They were there most nights at closing time to help move patrons out the door, helping clean and lock up the venue and helped get staff safely to their vehicles at the end of the night.

When the Foundation was considering an additional fundraising event, Ann was asked to chair the planning committee for Hats & Horses, while Hal worked in the background to help with the processes and strategies to help create an incredible fundraising event for the Foundation. Hats & Horses, a Kentucky Derby themed fundraiser, took place on May 3 of this year at the 1861 Club and was a big success.

 Hal and Ann have two sons, Jake and Luke. While their two boys were growing up, they were involved in many of the same programs and activities that modeled Hal and Ann – 4-H, livestock shows and competitions, and the Kansas State Fair. Their sons are now grown with successful careers and families of their own. Jake and his wife Brooke have two boys, Jack and Tate; and Luke and his wife Allison also have two girls, Quinn a nd Reese.  Hal and Ann enjoy spending  time with the grandchildren. 

Careers in the beef industry, family and volunteering have been and continue to be a big part of their lives. An important part of their lives has always been their church, Ascension Lutheran. Both Hal and Ann have served on various church committees, with Hal currently serving on the church’s leadership board helping direct the church ministries. 

We thank Hal and Ann for your devotion and contribution to the growth of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the improvement of the Kansas State Fair. You are an example of servant leadership that all should strive to emulate.