ARFOP Welcomes Sonya McLelland as New Executive Director

The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP) is pleased to welcome Sonya McLelland, CFRE, as our new Executive Director. McLelland succeeds longtime executive director Vicki Lilly, who is retiring after 26 years in leadership positions with the organization.

McLelland comes to ARFOP with nearly 30 years of fundraising and marketing experience and has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2002. She most recently served as Executive Director of Foundation, Marketing, and Public Relations at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was part of the senior leadership team. McLelland began her career in nonprofit administration at Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville, where she was the organization’s ticketing services manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Truman State University and a master’s degree in arts administration from Indiana University.

“I am so happy to join ARFOP and look forward to working with the staff and board to fulfill our organization’s mission,” McLelland said. “The arts, nature, animals and environmental education are very important to me, and I am honored to have this meaningful opportunity to help advance Overland Park’s public arts, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.”

About the Foundation

ARFOP is dedicated to enhancing the cultural, artistic, and recreational landscape of Overland Park, Kansas. Through thoughtful initiatives, we support local cultural amenities and public art projects that create meaningful experiences for the community.

Our mission focuses on preserving and improving beloved landmarks like the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, offering both residents and visitors opportunities to connect with nature, history, and culture. With the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners, we foster a vibrant environment where art, recreation, and community thrive together.