This month, three new members have joined the Kendall Whittier Main Street (KWMS) Board of Directors, with two serving a three-year term and one Board Intern serving for one year.
Two new Board members are Liz Horkey, Vice President of Marketing and Branch Manager at American Heritage Bank, and Casey Robinson, owner of Robinson Properties.
“Both Liz and Casey have been serving on KWMS committees, bringing valuable input and often volunteer support in planning and executing events and projects,” said Jessica Jackson Seay, executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street.
Garrett Schwalk has joined as a Board Intern for a one-year term expiring June 30, 2024. Previously, the Board had voted in Denita White, Learning and Development Manager at The Mission, as a Board Intern for one year starting in January; She has been serving on the Board for six months.
Bailey Adkison, Education Program Manager at the Gathering Place, has been serving the past year as a Board Intern and was voted in as an official Board member for a three-year term and as Secretary this year. Josh Kunkel was renewed for a second three-year term.
Barbara Abercrombie, Human Resources Vice President at Housing Authority of the City of Tulsa, takes over for Josh Kunkel, owner of Method Group, as the Board President for a one-year term, ending June 30, 2024. Mike Mills, University of Tulsa True Blue Neighbors, is the President Elect and Adkison is the Secretary.
“Josh has knack for strategic planning, and as a business owner himself, he knows how to run a strong and efficient organization,” Jackson Seay said. “With him at the helm, KWMS updated its mission and added core values, which have become guiding posts for the organization.”
Rolling off the Board is Malinda Blank, formerly the Secretary, who served three years with Kendall Whittier Main Street. She will remain heavily involved in the Kendall Whittier Arts Festival.
“Malinda served us for two years as Secretary and has been a key member of the Arts Festival task force,” Jackson Seay said. “We will miss her service on the Board and are so thankful she’s going to continue to help us host one of the best festivals in the city.”
Board members are voted in every June. To be considered for the Board of Directors, individuals should either (1) become an active member on a committee or task force and serve a minimum of six months in that capacity or (2) volunteer at 2-3 annual events, activations and projects.
“Kendall Whittier Main Street is a working Board. Board members are our front-line volunteers,” Jackson Seay said. “It’s important that Board members volunteer for KWMS first, so they get an understanding of the organization and its programming, as well as the commitment they are making.”
KWMS’ mission is to work with businesses, property owners and community partners to create vibrancy in Kendall Whittier’s commercial areas. Core values include: Cultural Diversity/Inclusion, Support Local, Creativity/Craftsmanship, Accessible/Affordable, Respect the District, Value Partnerships and Respect the History. See KWMS’ impact.
There are volunteer and committee opportunities available for those interested in getting involved in Kendall Whittier Main Street. For more information or to get involved, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com.
Kendall Whittier Main Street is a nonprofit organization that inspires the ongoing revitalization and growth of a historic and cultural neighborhood in Tulsa, striving to transform it back to a thriving, walkable commercial district. KWMS is a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District.
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