Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Announces New Members to the Board of Trustees

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) welcomes to the board of trustees the following new members: Amy O’Connor, Elizabeth (Betsy) Rhodes, and Mary Ritchey.

“The distinct strengths and perspectives of every board member are great assets as AMFA continues to create exceptional visual and performing art experiences for the region,” said Stan Hastings, president of the board of trustees.

The AMFA Board of Trustees supports the institution through initiatives that engage the community, raise funds, and benefit AMFA’s mission.

AMFA Executive Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez expressed gratitude for the dedication of outgoing trustees Kaki Hockersmith (12 years of service) and Terri Snowden (14 years of service).

Additionally, she conveyed her appreciation for the commitment displayed by all members of the board, stating: "Through our collective efforts, we are advancing the museum’s mission to inspire and create community while extending its impact through programming for all ages, captivating exhibitions, and collaborative partnerships.”

New members of the AMFA Board of Trustees:

Amy O’Connor

Amy O’Connor is an Arkansas native who grew up in Pine Bluff and Hot Springs. Since 2012, O’Connor has been in the role of Business Development Director for McFarland Eye Care. Her responsibilities include community outreach, partnership development, event planning, recruiting, and referral building.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business marketing, O’Connor worked as a sales representative for Alcon Labs in the Atlanta market before returning to Little Rock in 2012.

She and her husband, Ryan O’Connor, reside in Little Rock with their two daughters Louisa and Georgia. She is an active volunteer with Access Schools, National Charity League, and Episcopal Collegiate School.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Rhodes

Elizabeth (Betsy) Rhodes is a graduate of Washington & Lee University where she majored in art history. Rhodes began her career as a publicist in the New York office of the French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. During her early years in New York, she spent nights and weekends freelancing for Van Wyck & Van Wyck in an effort to gain event experience.

She later joined the public relations team at L’Oreal working on Maybelline, Garnier and essie, before moving to Dallas where she served as publicist for Mary Kay Inc. and was responsible for managing beauty editor and influencer relationships with a focus on the New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles markets.

A native of Memphis, Rhodes grew to love art with frequent visits—and later, a summer internship—at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens. She is proud to call Little Rock “home” now, fully appreciating the childhood that her husband, Stuart Rhodes, had here. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and has two young children, Harvey and Grace.

Mary Ritchey

Mary B. Ritchey has over 20 years of experience in the visual arts collaborating with leaders in hospitality, corporate and residential design, and development. Mary holds a degree in fine arts and communications from Northwestern University with continued education at the Corcoran College of Art and Design.

Prior to curating in Washington, DC, she was an art consultant for Kay-Hannah Associates in San Francisco and freelance art advisor for Charles Schwab, Inc. Nationwide. She previously served on the board for the Washington Project for the Arts.

Mary currently resides in her hometown of Little Rock with her husband and three boys where she is a practicing artist, active community member and volunteer. She is passionate about bringing art accessibility and awareness to her greater community.

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees, 2023-2024:

Stan Hastings, President
Le’Kita Brown, Vice President
Gary Cooper, Treasurer
Paul Parnell, Secretary
Van Tilbury, Chairman

Dr. Laurence Alexander
Dr. Loren Bartole
John Bethel
Beau Blair
Khayyam M. Eddings
Maribeth Frazer
Diane Gilleland
Jim Hugg
Mike Marquez
Larry Middleton
Odell Nickelberry
Amy O’Connor
Jacqueline Retzer
Elizabeth Rhodes
Mary Ritchey
Steve Ronnel
Gordon Silaski
Derrick Smith
Rebecca Smith
Mary Olive Stephens
LaRand Thomas

Ex-Officio Trustees:

Frank Scott, Jr., Mayor of City of Little Rock
Terry Hartwick, Mayor of City of North Little Rock
Kenya Eddings, Junior League of Little Rock
Ericka Mays, Junior League of North Little Rock
Susan Day, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Docents