Meet The board of Directors
Between Annual Meetings, the Board of Directors is the management of the Council. The Board will consist of at least five (5) but no more than fifteen (15) members. To become a Board Member, an individual must submit the Board Member Application and be elected by the Board.
If you are interested in becoming a Board Member, please fill out our application online or speak to a current board member.
Callie Cortner, President
Callie joined the board in 2021 and was elected President in 2023. She is also the Director of Library and Community Engagement for the City of Miami, Oklahoma. She loves serving the community and is a member of many advisory boards throughout Ottawa County and even one in Broken Arrow. Though she cannot carry a tune, draw, or paint, she loves to dabble in visual graphics for business logos, social media and websites.
Callie received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing in 2012 from Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow, OK and her Master of Science in Library and Information Science from St. John’s University – Queens, NY in 2021.
Melinda Stotts, Secretary
Creativity and serving the community she loves are two of Melinda Stotts’ passions. Melinda’s professional careers and volunteer roles have given her a broad overview and understanding of the area. She has served as a Lead Coordinator and Trainer for a child advocacy organization for the local court systems, as the Associate Editor and Reporter for the Miami News Record and is the City of Miami’s Communications Manager. Melinda believes art enhances the quality of life for all.
Pauline Charles, Treasurer
Bio Coming Soon
Mary Susan Whaley
Mary Susan Whaley is a retired Music Educator having taught seven years in public schools and thirty-eight years as the Director of Choirs at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. Mary Susan has performed in Musical Theatre and as a solo artist. She has served as President of the Miami Chamber of Commerce Arts and Humanities board in the past. She is passionate about making all of the arts accessible to area residents.
Kendall Morisset
Bio Coming Soon
Sonja Smith
Sonja is a proud Miami native and currently serves as the Assistant Project Coordinator for the Ottawa County Youth Prevention Program with ROCMND Youth Services. Many may also recognize her from her previous role as the Youth Librarian at the Miami Public Library. Deeply engaged in her community, Sonja is active in several local organizations and coalitions. Known for her creativity and unique spirit, she truly marches to the beat of her own drum. In her free time, Sonja enjoys using social media to highlight local agencies, businesses, and events while also promoting the importance of mental health awareness. She also loves traveling and exploring new places with her family—and, of course, finding every opportunity to get creative. From painting, to book art, to graphic designs, to origami flowers!
Kay Boman-Harvey
Kay Boman-Harvey is a retired foreign language teacher. A lifelong advocate for arts and humanities, she is a past president of Miami Little Theatre and has worked on many productions over the years. Kay is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal church and is passionate about the improvement of the community.
Rick Pulley
Rick Pulley has been a vital member of the Miami, OK community for over 20 years. As a disabled veteran, he offers a unique perspective in his volunteer work, having served as vice president of the Senior Center for five years, supporting local seniors.
Currently, Rick focuses on photography, capturing high school sports, library events, and city functions. He skillfully showcases the vibrancy of his community through his lens.
In addition to photography, Rick is an experienced Tai Chi instructor, teaching classes at the Miami Public Library. He also contributes his skills as a videographer and photographer for God And People church “G.A.P” and events like Miss Grand Lake and Miss Grand Lake Teen.
Rick Pulley exemplifies dedication to service, creativity, and community enrichment.
Kinley Carty
Kinley joined the board in 2025. She is currently the MS/HS Art Teacher in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. Kinley has a passion for serving her community through various activities including being a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Her love for the arts is something that started at a very young age.
Kinley received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Education and a Minor in Coaching from Pittsburg State University in 2014. She has also completed Master of Business Administration hours through Oklahoma State University. Kinley recently completed the Emergency Medical Technician course in December, 2024, and is now a NREMT licensed EMT.
Kinley is excited for this opportunity to start serving Ottawa County!
Herb Young
Joe Carver
Bio coming soon!
Board Member Opening
Ask us how to apply!
Board Member Opening
Ask us how to apply!
Board Member Opening
Ask us how to apply!
Board Member Opening
Ask us how to apply!