NOTO TEAM
STAFF
Thomas Underwood, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Thomas Underwood has the personal passion and professional commitment to support individuals, organizations, and communities to enhance capacity and strive for excellence. He offers leadership in visioning, strategic alignment, policy development, process improvement, and project management. His professional experience as an administrator, consultant, educator, and direct service practitioner has been applied in private, public, and non-profit environments. Thomas has 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. He also earned a Lean Six Sigma: Black Belt from Washburn University and Crimson Corporation.
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. His mother grew up in the area, and his father, a mail carrier, walked to work each morning to the post office, what is now the NOTO Arts Center. Tom is married to Lisa, also a native Topekan. Their four adult children and their families reside in the area.
Staci Ogle
As the Program Coordinator for the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, Staci Ogle focuses on the development and implementation of programs at the NOTO Arts Center, including classes and exhibits at the Morris Art Gallery, as well as those programs identified as NOTO Arts and Entertainment District events.
Staci has been a part of NOTO since 2011 as an artist and small business owner; currently she is co-owner of 39 West Gallery. She has shown in over one hundred art shows, nationally and internationally, with twelve solo exhibits. She is active in the community and has contributed her art expertise to numerous causes, such as the coordination of a large mural project for Sheltered Living, Inc. (SLI) displayed each year at the Festival of Trees and collaborative paintings with an elephant and an alligator to benefit the Topeka Zoo. She has also had recent partnerships with Topeka Civic Theater, the Topeka Capital Journal, and Feel Good Nutrition. Staci is past chair of the Aaron Douglas Art Fair, Coordinator of NOTO Art and Antique Festival, has served on the NOTO Board of Directors, serves on the NOTO Artist Advisory group, and serves as Treasurer of NADA Business Alliance. She 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. Staci and her husband Ryan are native to Topeka with their three children, Jessica, Austin, and Ellery.
Glenda Lawton, Administrative Assistant
BOARD
Caleb Asher (Board Chair), Sprout Communications
Shelly Bedsaul, Foole's Dream
Jon Bohlander, The Wheel Barrel
Gayle Burns, Realty Professionals
Bryan Falk, Falk Architects
Ryan Fickel, Advisors Excel
Mike Foster (Chair Elect), Topeka Rescue Mission
Jean Gardner, Rusty Haggles Antiques
Kirk Johnson (Treasurer), CoreFirst Bank & Trust
Claudia Larkin (Secretary), Free Bird Business Solutions
Lindsey Martin, Silver Lake Bank
Matt McGivern, Senne Company
Danielle Norwood, WIBW Radio
Jona Rupnicki, J & J’s
Debbie Schwartz, Kaw Valley State Bank
Stan Teeter, Retired
Jenny Torrence, Serendipity/Pinkadilly/NOTO Burrito
Barbara Waterman-Peters, Studio 831
behind the scenes of
NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for the district. It is managed by an executive director and is supported by a board of directors from within the district as well as the broader community. There are three standing committees comprised of board members and volunteers. These committees include:
Facility and District Enhancement
Maintain and improve the NOTO Arts Center facility and facilitate physical enhancements of the district.
Programs
Provide enrichment opportunities in the arts and history through organizational development and community enhancement.
Promotions
Identify and implement diverse approaches that communicate value of the district while maintaining the integrity of the NOTO brand.
behind the scenes of
NOTO
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for the district. It is managed by an executive director and is supported by a board of directors from within the district as well as the broader community. There are three standing committees comprised of board members and volunteers. These committees include:
District Enhancement
Maintain and improve the NOTO Arts Center facility and facilitate physical enhancements of the district.
Programs
Provide enrichment opportunities in the arts and history through organizational development and community enhancement.
Promotions
Identify and implement diverse approaches that communicate value of the district while maintaining the integrity of the NOTO brand.