9-2-2025
Moderator – Sunny Cearley serves as President/CEO for Allied Arts. Cearley came to Allied Arts from her role as Senior Vice President of Membership for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Prior to that, she spent almost a decade leading sales efforts for The Journal Record Publishing Company. Before working in the arts full-time, Cearley sat on the executive committee for The Civic Center Foundation and on the advisory board for El Sistema Oklahoma. She is passionate about the fact that art improves the quality of life and supports economic development in our community. Cearley holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and a Master of Journalism from the University of North Texas. She is graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 30 and LOYAL Class III.
Ashley Wells (Director) Executive Producer and celebrated theater artist, marking an impressive 22-year tenure with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Arts in Education Governor’s Arts Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and education.
Throughout her career, Ashley has worn many hats at Lyric Theatre, excelling as a director, choreographer, and casting director for numerous productions. Some of her standout directorial credits at Lyric include Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Matilda, Nunsense, Disney’s Newsies, Hello, Dolly!, Junie B. Jones, Rock of Ages, The Wizard of Oz, The Fantasticks, Billy Elliot, Pageant, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Odd Couple, Some Enchanted Evening, and Sweet Charity (with Tony Award-winner Billy Porter). Ashley’s creative work spans a variety of genres, from musicals to classic plays, showcasing her versatile talent as both a director and choreographer. Ashley’s journey with Lyric Theatre began as an ensemble member, and over the years, she has built an extraordinary career, deeply involved in many facets of theater. Her regional work includes collaborations with the Music Theatre of Wichita, Casa Manana, and North Shore Music Theatre. Some of her favorite roles as an actor include Anne in La Cage Aux Folles, Maggie in Brigadoon, Louise in Carousel, Zaneeta in The Music Man, and one of the merry murderesses in Chicago. She also had the honor of touring the United States and Canada as Ermengarde in the national tour of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing, a production that marked her Broadway debut.
In addition to her extensive theatrical background, Ashley has made significant contributions behind the scenes. After transitioning to Los Angeles, she worked as a casting director at The Casting Company, where she contributed to films such as The Story of Us (starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis) and Bicentennial Man (starring Robin Williams). Ashley further expanded her expertise by owning Stover-Wells Casting in Orlando, Florida, where she worked on local and regional commercials.
Trent Riley has led museums and nonprofit cultural organizations for more than a decade. Before becoming Executive Director of Oklahoma Contemporary, he served as Chief Development Officer, overseeing fundraising in support of the institution’s mission and programs. In his current role, he advances the organization’s growth, sustainability, and impact while expanding access to contemporary art locally, regionally, and nationally.
Previously, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Trent helped generate over $30 million in revenue across eight years. He has also contributed to numerous state and local museums through research, interpretation, and exhibition development.
Trent holds both a B.A. and M.A. in history from Oklahoma State University and is a recognized author, with publications featured in Publishers Weekly and recognition as a 2019 Oklahoma Book Award finalist. He serves on the boards of the Oklahoma Arts Institute Foundation and Upward Transitions and has volunteered with organizations including Positive Tomorrows, where he mentored students. He lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Blakely, and their two sons, Archie and Louis.
Randy Marks is the Program Planner in the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs at the City, a position he has held for three years after five years as the Public Art Project Manager. Most of his professional career has been in various areas of art and design, including sculpture, product design, and sustainable landscape design.
Chair of the Day
Farooq Karim
Farooq is a Senior Vice President and serves as Design Director of Rees Assciates. He has a passion for working collaboratively with clients to develop creative solutions for their projects. As both an architect and interior designer, Farooq has the ability to work with you to develop holistic and integrated design solutions for your project. Farooq is very involved in the community and participates in organizations such as Leadership Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Arts Council, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and many others. Farooq has been with REES for more than 30 years. He also holds the distinction of being the most committed college football fan in the office, having not missed a home football game for his favorite team since 1975.