October 7, 2023

Rick Viar has been selected by Mayor Bill Baird to receive the 2023 West Gate Division of the Missouri Municipal League’s Annual Civic Leadership Award. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of business and civic leaders in developing stronger cities. Viar will be honored at a banquet on Oct. 26 at Belvoir Winery in Liberty.

Viar is a dedicated community public servant who has served on numerous boards and committees over the years, including the United Way of Greater Kansas City, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation Advisory Finance Committee, Lee’s Summit Civic Roundtable and Lee’s Summit Industrial Development Authority. He has contributed his leadership abilities to the boards of Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, John Knox Village, Lee’s Summit Symphony and Lee’s Summit Downtown Master Plan Task Force.

Viar is a respected businessman with over 41 years of experience in commercial banking. He began his career as a loan collector and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including executive vice president and president of several banks. Viar is the community bank president of Southern Bank in Lee’s Summit.

“Rick Viar is a perceptive business leader who can envision future growth and success,” said Mayor Bill Baird. “His integrity, guidance, vision and unselfish service to the community are evidenced by his participation on community boards and contributions to initiatives that enhance the quality of life of our citizens. I am honored to nominate him for this prestigious award.”

The Missouri Municipal League serves 651 municipalities across Missouri with training, resources and legislative advocacy. The West Gate Division consists of member municipalities in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray and Cass counties.