AMFA adds 10 new members to board
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) Board of Trustees named 10 new members during its April 30, 2026, meeting: Tabietha Dillard, Marcy Doderer, Merritt Dyke, John S. Erck, David Mitchell, Marisa Nabholz, Jeff Nolan, Tobin Sparling, Van Tilbury, and Anne Wallace.
“The dedication and knowledge of AMFA’s trustees help guide the museum’s strategic planning and its mission to advance arts and culture across Arkansas,” said Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA’s chief executive officer. “We are grateful for their generous commitment of time and expertise.”
Outgoing trustees include Gary Cooper (nine years of service) and Paul Parnell (eight years of service).
New Board Members:
Tabietha Dillard serves as co-chair of Tabriz 2027, AMFA’s legacy fundraiser, alongside her husband, Bill Dillard, and Mary and David Ritchey. A native of Little Rock, Tabietha is also on the board of The Simple Nest and previously served nine years on the board of Little Rock Christian Academy. Her volunteer involvement also includes The CALL, Our House, Project Zero, Young Life, and Restore Hope. Tabietha earned her degree from Southern Methodist University.
A lifelong resident of Little Rock, Marcy Doderer serves as president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Children’s, where she leads the state’s only pediatric health system. She also serves on the boards of the Children’s Hospital Association, the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Encore Bank, and the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. Marcy earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Trinity University and a Master of Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Iowa.
Merritt Dyke served on the AMFA Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2022 and currently serves as chair. He also served as co-chair of AMFA’s Capital Campaign Major Gifts Committee alongside Terri Erwin. A native of Little Rock, Merritt is chair of the board of Dyke Industries, Inc., a family-owned building materials distribution company headquartered in Little Rock. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in civic and philanthropic initiatives across Arkansas, with a longstanding commitment to supporting cultural and community organizations. Merritt is a graduate of the University of Arkansas.
John S. Erck serves as vice chancellor for institutional advancement at UAMS, where he leads the university’s fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Prior to joining UAMS, John held senior development roles at the University of Arkansas and Vanderbilt University. He is actively involved with several organizations across Arkansas and was recognized as one of Arkansas Business’s 40 Under 40 honorees. John earned his degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.
David Mitchell is managing member of Rose Law Firm, where he focuses on complex business and corporate litigation. He is active in professional and civic leadership, serving on the board of trustees of the Arkansas Bar Association, and is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XIV. David earned a juris doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
A native of central Arkansas, Marisa Nabholz is a community leader and philanthropist who has been actively involved in charitable and civic initiatives across Arkansas. She serves as president of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary and has previously served as co-chair of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Miracle Ball. Marisa is also involved with Women & Children First, where she has supported efforts addressing domestic violence and was recognized as a Woman of the Year honoree.
Jeff Nolan is a business executive and attorney who served as president and chief executive officer of Loutre Land and Timber Company from 1998 to 2021. He currently serves on the board of directors of Murphy Oil Corporation, is chairman of the board of First Financial Bank, and serves on the boards of Arkansas Children’s and Hope Enterprise Corporation. Jeff earned degrees from Southern Methodist University and Tulane Law School.
Tobin Sparling is a retired professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston and previously held curatorial positions at the Yale Center for British Art and the New York Public Library’s print collection. He joined the AMFA docent program following the museum’s reopening in 2023 and has been an active supporter of the museum’s educational and visitor engagement initiatives. Tobin earned degrees from Dartmouth College and Columbia University.
Van Tilbury first joined the AMFA Board of Trustees in 2011 and served through 2024 as a trustee and member of AMFA’s Building Committee. He currently serves as board chair. Van is president and chief executive officer of East Harding Construction, where he is also a partner and majority owner. Since joining the firm in 2004, he has helped grow it into one of Arkansas’s leading commercial construction companies, with projects spanning education, healthcare, nonprofit, and historic renovation. He earned degrees from Auburn University and the University of Arkansas and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Anne Wallace is a board member of Shawnee Milling Company and previously built a career in energy lending and airline finance. She is an active community volunteer and has supported numerous civic, educational, and cultural organizations, including serving as president of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary in 2021. Anne is also a member of the AMFA Fine Arts Club. She earned an MBA from Emory University and her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University.
Other Board of Trustees members:
Steve Ronnel, President
Mary Olive Stephens, Vice-President
Barrett Belew, Treasurer
Betsy Rhodes, Secretary
Le’Kita Brown, Presiding Chair
Stan Hastings
Tamara Baughn
John Bethel
Beau Blair
Khayyam Eddings
Jacob P. Fair
Toney Franklin
Natalie Ghidotti
Anjuli Koshal
George Makris III
Mike Marquez
Christina Martin
Emily Nadeau
Dr. Odell Nickelberry
Amy O’Connor
Jacqueline Retzer
Mary Ritchey
Carlton Saffa
Gordon Silaski
Derrick Smith
Joan Strauss
Ex-Officio Trustees:
Frank Scott Jr., Mayor of City of Little Rock
Terry Hartwick, Mayor of City of North Little Rock
Mary-Lee Smith, Junior League of Little Rock
Ericka Mays, Junior League of North Little Rock
René Starr, AMFA Docents