Board of Directors, 2026
Mark McAllister, President
AgTech and Animal Health Venture Associate, Plug & Play
Honorable Nancy E. Parrish, Vice-President
District Court Judge, Retired
John Gonzalez, Secretary
President and Owner, Gonzalez Software, LLC
Jerry Anderson, Treasurer
Retired, CoreFirst Bank & Trust
Assistant Director, Penwell-Gabel
Jeff Carson, Past-President
Freelance Filmmaker
Philip Bacchus
CFO, Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka
Justin Doan
Owner, Amplified Strategies LLC
Scott Gales, AIA, LEED AP
President and Partner, Architect One
Irene Haws
Marketing and Events Coordinator, Heritage Bank
Brendan Jensen
Owner, Jensen Communications
Blythe Landon
Onboarding Specialist, Advisors Excel
Alex Orel
Principal, Citadel Public Affairs
Joe Scranton
Consultant and Owner, Aspera Associates
Lawrence L. Tenopir, J.D.
Partner, Law Firm of Tenopir & Huerter
Campaign Leadership & Advisory Committee
Marving Spees & Scott Gales
A Rich History Lives Here
The Jayhawk Theatre, an architectural masterpiece and historical gem, was created as a high-tech entertainment center and Topeka’s premiere deluxe movie palace. Situated in the heart of Downtown Topeka, it holds the distinction of being Kansas’ Official State Theatre and is the sole remaining historic theater in the Capital City.
With a fervent group of board members, community leaders, citizens, and supporters at the helm, the Jayhawk’s former splendor will be restored while simultaneously transforming it into an ultimate destination for live entertainment, dance, film, rentals, and more! Its renovation not only pays homage to its historical significance, but also breathes fresh life and purpose into the iconic structure.
The theater will play an essential role in the revitalization of Downtown Topeka, contributing to its growth, economic development, vibrancy, and quality of life. Though the journey requires ingenuity and unwavering commitment, the dream is achievable, and the time has come. The wait is over.
In 1926, the Jayhawk Theatre opened its doors with the mission to showcase the latest advancements in film technology. However, as time passed, the aging structure failed to entice visitors, resulting in its closure in 1974. The theater remained dormant until Rev. Richard Taylor advocated for its revival and full functionality. Through unwavering dedication and labor, the State Senate acknowledged the theater’s significance in 1993 by naming it the ‘State Theatre of Kansas.’
Since then, there have been slow but steady efforts in the 1990s to restore the Jayhawk to its former glory. To join this movement, please visit our Support page and learn how you can contribute to bringing back the splendor of this aging beauty.