Sisters and Northland leaders Linda Ward (right) and Sandra Aust were joint recipients of the Look North Award, presented Thursday night at the Clay County Economic Development Council Leadership Award Banquet.

Two of Clay County’s most outstanding community leaders—who also happen to be sisters—were named Oct. 11 as joint recipients of the Look North Award.

Sandra Aust and Linda Ward received the prestigious honor at the Clay County Economic Development Council’s Look North Leadership Banquet held at Harrah’s North Kansas City. Last year’s recipients, Nettie Agnew and Dr. Thomas Cummings, introduced the two.

“Linda is an excellent example of what the Look North Award is all about,” Agnew said of Ward. “She’s been a true leader both professionally and in the community.”

Cummings said Aust’s consistent leadership spoke for itself, but her entrepreneurial and organizational skills had enhanced the Northland and the region. “Although Sandra is a true professional, some of her unpaid civic leadership may be most indicative of tonight’s award,” Cummings noted. “Her impact here and across the state is remarkable.”

Widely known as the spokesperson for the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Aust is a registered nurse who founded three health care companies. She has been active with organizations such as the Center for Practical Bioethics, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration Committee and the Downtown Kansas City Arena Task Force. She was founding president of the Harvest Ball and until this year was president of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation commission.

Ward may be best known publicly for her leadership of the Kansas City Port Authority commission, which oversees projects such as the revitalization of the Missouri riverfront, the redevelopment of the Richards-Gebaur Intermodal Freight Gateway, and Kansas City's riverboat gaming operation. Since 2004, she has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Center for Practical Bioethics and continues to serve as chair of the Northland Community Foundation, one of the area’s most significant non-profit funding organizations.

Speaker for the evening was Keith McGough, the creator of Theodore Roosevelt Today, a one-man performance and historical reenactment of one of the most admired Americans ever. Chris Stigall, KCMO Radio Morning Show host, was master of ceremonies. Other speakers included John Englemann, EDC chair.

Leadership Banquet Photo Gallery