When one thinks about leadership, and styles of leadership, they soon understand leadership comes in many forms. In this Foundation Spotlight we want to highlight two individuals 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 of a servanthood, where they give to others and serve others. Whether this be through volunteering, leading and serving on committees, providing valuable insight, direction, and opinion or just making things happen.
In this E-Update, we want to highlight the servant leadership of Ann and Hal Sankey. Ann and Hal both grew up showing and exhibiting at the Kansas State Fair. As avid 4-H members, they prepared and exhibited their beef projects at the Kansas State Fair; Ann showing Polled Hereford cattle while Hal exhibited Angus cattle. A love for livestock, the beef industry and the Kansas State Fair became a part of their DNA as young exhibitors. They turned that love of the beef industry into their field of study at Kansas State University and then into very successful careers.
This writer does not know when this common interest in the beef industry lead to an infatuation with one another, which then became a foundation of friendship and then a love that joined two incredible servant-leaders together into a family – but we are thankful for this union. When you think about Ann and Hal, 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 Ann and Hal Sankey the following words are often used. Considerate, appreciative, welcoming, generous, thoughtful, caring, intuitive, strategic, conscientious, gracious, genuine, helpful, and simply great people.
Anyone who knows this family, understands that when Ann serves on a board or committee, you benefit not only from Ann’s input and wisdom, but also the contributions of Hal, an astute business mind as well as a caring and giving individual. The Sankeys have dedicated more than 2 decades of their life to growing and improving the Grand Drive at the Kansas State Fair. In 2021, as the Foundation reorganized its leadership structure to include a representative from the Grand Drive committee, Ann, who was chair of the Grand Drive committee filled that position on the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation board.
Ann took her role on the Foundation board seriously, serving on multiple committees and working behind the scenes with Hal to build the Foundation’s 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, helped with set up and were there to help tear down and clean up and just offered to do whatever needed to be done.
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 Ann and Hal helping out at the 1861 Club. They were there many nights at closing time to help get patrons moved out the door, clean up, lock up and helped get staff safely to their vehicles at the end of the night.
They have done all of this and in addition, Ann chairs the Hats & Horses planning committee while Hal works in the background to make sure all processes and strategies are considered for creating an incredible fundraising event for the Foundation. Hats & Horses will take place on May 3, 2025 – a Kentucky Derby themed event – at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
When describing Ann and Hal Sankey the following words are often used. Considerate, appreciative, welcoming, generous, thoughtful, caring, intuitive, strategic, conscientious, gracious, genuine, helpful, and simply great people. We thank Ann & Hal for your devotion and contribution to the growth of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the improvement of the Kansas State Fair.