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

Thomas Underwood

Executive Director

thomas.underwood@notoartsdistrict.org

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

Staci Ogle

Program and Communications Coordinator

staci.ogle@notoartsdistrict.org

Staci leads the effort on the development and implementation of programs for the NOTO Arts Center, such as exhibits in the Morris Gallery and art classes, as well as district events, such as the Summer Concert Series and the Art-Health Walk. She also has primary responsibility for marketing and promotions efforts. Staci has been a part of NOTO since 2011 as an artist and small business owner. She has shown in over one hundred art shows, nationally and internationally, with twelve solo exhibits, and was an Arty Award Visual Artist Finalist 2017. Staci has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in history from the University of Kansas.

Lori Blake

Lori Blake

Resource Development & Program Associate

lori.blake@notoartsdistrict.org

A major focus of Lori’s efforts is to help the organization secure the resources, primarily financial, to help meet mission, while also providing critical assistance to NOTO’s various programs. Lori has prior experience in management and administrative services for a variety of organizations, including an art gallery located in NOTO. Lori has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, and an Associate of Science in Fine Art and Mass Communications.

Michaela Butterworth

Michaela Butterworth

Administrative & Program Support Associate

michaela.butterworth@notoartsdistrict.org

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 to “Become the region’s premier arts and entertainment district.”

Lindsay Baker

Lindsay Baker

Security Benefit

Lisa LaRue Baker

Lisa LaRue Baker

785 Arts LLC

Pedro Concepcion

Pedro Concepcion

NOTO Chair / Wheel Barrel / Onyx Cafe

Tami Cortez

Tami Cortez

Cortez Transportation

Bryan Falk

Bryan Falk

Falk Architects

Kay Grey

Kay Grey

Community Member

Michael Hooper

Michael Hooper

Community Member & Artist

Miriam Krehbiel

Miriam Krehbiel

Topeka Rescue Mission

Matt McGivern

Matt McGivern

Senne Company

Shelly McMaster

Shelly McMaster

Stormont Vail Health

Cole Mosier

Cole Mosier

NOTO Resident & Kansas Gas Service

Dusty Nichols

Dusty Nichols

Shawnee County Emergency Management

Kathy Pflaum

Kathy Pflaum

Plumm Fibers Design Studio

Zac Pohlenz

Zac Pohlenz

Clayton Wealth Partners

Adam Rosdahl

Adam Rosdahl

Norsemen Brewing Company

Marty Schlossman

Marty Schlossman

Federal Home Loan Bank

Debbie Schwartz

Debbie Schwartz

Kaw Valley Bank

Andrew Tague

Andrew Tague

Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds, & Palmer LLP

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.

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