About Marci | Kansas Sampler Foundation

Marci Penner, continued

Marci has served as executive director since the formation of the 501c3. She has a unique perspective of Kansas having been to every one of the 627 incorporated cities several times for guidebook research. Having a reason to observe, have conversations, and note common issues and differences led to the PowerUp Movement (empowerment of those 21-39 who are rural by choice) and the access to resources and topics for the Big Rural Brainstorm and We Kan! Conference. With the opportunity to do guidebook programs and speak at conferences, Marci enjoys the continual journey around the state. She thrives on matching those seeking guidance with resources and to bringing together Good Thinkers who use collective brilliance to move rural communities forward.

A graduate and double-sport letter-winner at the University of Kansas, Marci received her Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Wisconsin. She spent five years as an elementary guidance counselor in the Philadelphia area. She’s happy to be home on the family farm near Inman where the offices of the Kansas Sampler Foundation are located. Marci is dedicated to helping Kansans see Kansas with new eyes and to keeping our communities alive and thriving.

Marci's Resume

978 Arapaho Road, Inman, KS 67546
620.585.2374
marci@kansassampler.org

Currently
Executive Director,Kansas Sampler Foundation

Current outside affiliations

Board member of Kansas Association of Community Foundations
Convener for Kansas Dialogue
Child Care Licensing Systems Improvement Team
Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Advisory Team

Publications and positions

2017

Co-authored the Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers with WenDee Rowe.

2011

Authored the 8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook. The book has won gold from the North American Travel Journalists Association for Travel Guide.

2005

Authored the Kansas Guidebook for Explorers.

2004

Appointed co-chair of Governor's Rural Life Task Force

1993

Founded the Kansas Sampler Foundation with father, Mil Penner.

1990 - 1993

Co-authored Kansas guidebooks with father, Mil Penner

Kansas Weekend Guide
Kansas Event Guide
Kansas Weekend Guide II

1985-1990: Elementary guidance counselor in and around the Philadelphia area.

1985: Received Masters degree in Counseling & Guidance from the University of Wisconsin.
1980: Received Bachelors degree in Radio, TV, Film from the University of Kansas.

Professional Awards

2019 - Paul & Pat Phillips Award Distinguished Service to Geography from Kansas Geographic Alliance.
2018 - Literary Contribution Award from the Mountain Plains Library Association.
2018 - Leader of the Year for Tourism Development Award from the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
2016 - KU Pioneer Award from the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity
2007 - Leader of the Year for Tourism Development Award from the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
2005 - Grassroots Community Education Award from the UFM Community Learning Center, Manhattan
2005 - Distinguished Kansan of the Year from the Kansas Native Sons and Daughters
2005 - Momentous Achievement Award from Osborne County Tourism
2003 - Tourism Award of Merit for Individual Achievement from the KDOC State Travel and Tourism Division
2003 - Rural Leadership Award presented by the National Rural Economic Developers Association.
2002 - Brass Ring Award from Kinsley
2001 - U.S. Small Business Administration Plains Spirit of the Year award
2000 - Governor's Tourism Award presented by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters
1996 - TIAK (Travel Industry Association of Kansas) Distinguished Service Award