NOTO Team
NOTO meets its mission with a core group of dedicated staff, an eclectic group of board members, and other volunteers / contract employees and partners as needed. All NOTO associates are required to abide by the NOTO Code of Conduct.
Staff
Thomas Underwood
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Thomas partners with staff, the board, NOTO businesses, and community stakeholders to facilitate NOTO’s vision. His professional experiences as an administrator, consultant, educator, and direct service practitioner have been applied in private, public, and non-profit environments. He as a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Kansas State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Washburn University. A lifelong native of Topeka, his childhood home was only a block away from the North Topeka business district and was the family’s primary place for shopping and entertainment.
Staci Ogle
Program and Communications Coordinator
Lori Blake
Resource Development & Program Associate
Michaela Butterworth
Administrative & Program Support Associate
Michaela helps to make the NOTO organization welcoming, and productive, while also supporting other various needs that enables up to meet our vision for NOTO to “become the region’s premier arts and entertainment destination.” Michaela offers a wealth of knowledge including her mixed-media art instruction. Michaela was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from Sydney TAFE with a Certificate of Fine Arts.
Board
The NOTO organization is governed by an eclectic group of individuals from the NOTO district and the community – all individuals committed to helping NOTO achieve its vision as a “vibrant and prospering arts and entertainment district that is a community partner and regional leader.”
Caleb Asher
Sprout Creative
Bob Ross
Greater Topeka Partnership
Jon Bohlander
Wheel Barrel
Bryan Falk
Falk Architects
Mariam Krehbiel
Topeka Rescue Mission
Kay Grey
Community Member
Gwen McClain
Studio 831
Claudia Larkin
Free Bird Business Solutions
Adam Rosdahl
Norsemen Brewing Company
Debbie Schwartz
Kaw Valley Bank
Andrew Tague
Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds, & Palmer LLP
Pedro Concepcion
KIT Solutions
Martin Schlossman
Federal Home Loan Bank
Matt McGivern
Senne Company
Zac Pohlenz
Clayton Wealth Partners
Kathy Pflaum
Plumm Fibers Design Studio
Cole Mosier
Evergy
Join The Board
Persons interested in service must complete the online application. A current Board member or staff will contact the applicant for a general discussion of Board needs and service. Applicants will be reviewed at the annual meeting at the end of year. If selected, Board service starts in January with a three-year commitment. Board service requires a commitment of:
Time
- Attend regularly scheduled bi-monthly and special meetings.
- Attend committee meetings or task groups as scheduled.
- Participate in NOTO sponsored events.
Talent
- Contribute expertise to committees or task groups.
- Provide volunteer or professional services as appropriate.
- Contribute to resource development efforts through personal and professional connections, serve on special project committees that raise funds, and/or by attending fund raising events.
Treasure
- Commit financially to the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District (at minimum, a Friend of NOTO membership is required).
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Volunteer/Contract Staff Application
NOTO values the contribution of those who wish to donate their time. There are also occasions when the organization will contract for special events or projects. Tasks may include things like guest relations at the Arts Center, assisting with special events, or facility maintenance project. All volunteers and contract employees are required to complete an application.