NOTO Selects New Leadership

The NOTO Board of Directors has selected Pedro Concepcion to serve as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Concepcion is a well-established fixture in NOTO and the Topeka community, co-owner of several small businesses and has contributed to the establishment of many popular restaurants in Topeka.  He has also served on the NOTO Board of Directors since 2020. Concepcion will succeed Thomas Underwood, who is retiring later this year. Concepcion will assume leadership of the organization August 1st. Underwood will continue to support the organization during a transitional phase. “NOTO’s growth and development the past several years has been nothing short of phenomenal” said Marty Schlossman, NOTO Board Chair-Elect. “Following an extensive search process, the NOTO Board selected Pedro as the best candidate to lead the organization and the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District to the next level of development.”  

Born in Mexico City and raised in Chicago, Concepcion established his roots in Topeka where he was recruited by Simon Bates to open The Burger Stand. He founded K.I.T. Solutions and played a key role in developing several popular eateries, including Brewbank, The Pennant, Norsemen Brewery, The Tee Box, and many more. In 2022, Concepcion became the co-owner of The Wheel Barrel. “We each have our own journeys in our city,” said Concepcion. “Mine has been filled with ups and downs, but I have always seen Topeka as a city of opportunity. When I discovered NOTO, I fell in love with its diversity, inclusion, and uniqueness. To grow our city, we need to embrace every corner of it. As the new CEO of the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, I aim to continue to grow our partnerships, build bridges, and grow our beautiful district.”