OKLAHOMA CITY, OK., June 30, 2022 –

The Allied Arts board of directors voted Thursday to name Sunny Cearley as the organization’s next President and CEO, concluding a five-month nationwide search.  

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“Sunny has precisely the experience, deep community connections and passion for the arts we were looking for in our next leader,” said Allied Arts Board Chair Steve Mason. “I’ve known her professionally for many years. We were impressed with her vision for Allied Arts, as well as her leadership skills and I have complete confidence in her ability to help the organization grow and thrive.”

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Cearley, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Membership at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, will assume her new post at Allied Arts on Aug. 1, 2022. She will succeed Deborah McAuliffe Senner, who has been with Allied Arts for 21 years, including 13 as President and CEO.

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“A thriving arts community is absolutely vital to the health and growth of our city and our state,” Cearley said. “The visual and performing arts attract talent and industry, and they enhance individual quality of life. They unite our community, provide beauty, provoke conversation and help people of all ages reach their full potential. I am excited to begin the work of supporting more than 40 arts and cultural agencies while connecting communities with our mission.”

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“Deborah, staff and Allied Arts’ volunteer leadership have grown an outstanding organization, and I look forward to building on all they have created,” she said.

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Incoming Board Chair Glen Maynard praised the board’s selection. “Allied Arts is one of the premier united arts funds in the nation, and Sunny convinced everyone involved in our search that she has the knowledge and talent to align more people with our work and bring more support for the sector doing so much good in our state,” he said.

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Cearley previously served as Director of Sales and Community Relations for The Journal Record Publishing Co. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Baylor University and a Master’s in Journalism from the University of North Texas. Her community involvement includes the board of directors for The Civic Center Foundation, El Sistema Oklahoma, and Leadership Oklahoma City’s YLX program. She is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 30 and LOYAL Class III.

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