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.
NOTO Staff
-

Pedro Concepcion
Chief Executive Office
pedro.concepcion@notoartsdistrict.orgAs Chief Executive Officer, Pedro partners with staff, the board, NOTO businesses, and community stakeholders to facilitate NOTO’s vision. His professional experiences as an accomplished chef and entrepreneur bringing a wealth of expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to the role. Pedro’s journey began over a decade ago in Chicago, where he honed his culinary skills at the Art Institute of Chicago. Armed with his formal education and hands-on experience in high-end restaurants, he has contributed to the launch of several acclaimed regional restaurants, where he played a pivotal role in development. As he embarks on this new chapter, Pedro aims to foster creativity and innovation within the community, transforming NOTO into a vibrant hub. Pedro has been with the NOTO organization since 2024.
-

Staci Schnacker
Arts Administrator
staci.schnacker@notoartsdistrict.orgAs Arts Administrator for the NOTO Staci oversees the development and delivery of programs that bring creativity to life—ranging from classes and exhibits at the NOTO Arts Center to signature district-wide events. With more than 15 years of experience as an artist and gallery owner, Staci has been a driving force in advancing the arts in Topeka. Her work has been featured in over 100 exhibitions nationwide and internationally, including 12 solo shows, and she has lent her artistic expertise to numerous community initiatives. Staci’s leadership extends well beyond the studio. She has served as chair of the Aaron Douglas Art Fair, held a seat on the NOTO Board of Directors, and contributed to civic planning through roles on the Momentum 2027 Steering Committee for the City of Topeka and the Arts Connect Arts & Culture Steering Committee. She currently serves on the USD 501 CTE Advisory Board and the North Topeka Business Alliance Board. Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including the 2020 Women of Excellence Award in the nonprofit sector, KSNT’s Everything Women Award, and recognition as an Arty Award Visual Artist Finalist in 2017. A graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in history, Staci has been part of the NOTO team since 2018, continuing to shape the district’s vibrant arts landscape.
NOTO Board
-

Lindsay Baker
Security Benefit
-

Lisa LaRue Baker
785 Arts LLC
-

Kaylee Champagne
HTK Architects
-

Miranda Chavez-Hazim
MAD Marketing
-

Tami Cortez
Cortez Transportation
-

Kay Grey
Community Member
-

Michael Hooper
Community Member & Artist
-

Miriam Krehbiel
Topeka Rescue Mission
-

Matt McGivern
Senne Company
-

Shelly McMaster
Stormont Vail Health
-

Cole Mosier
NOTO Resident & Kansas Gas Service
-

Dusty Nichols
Shawnee County Emergency Management
-

Kathy Pflaum
Plumm Fibers Design Studio
-

Zac Pohlenz
Clayton Wealth Partners
-

Adam Rosdahl
Norsemen Brewing Company
-

Marty Schlossman
Federal Home Loan Bank
-

Debbie Schwartz
Kaw Valley Bank
-

Andrew Tague
Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds, & Palmer LLP
-

Jeremy Wangler
Washburn University
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).
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.