Board Biographies

Elizabeth West is a Grove, Oklahoma community leader dedicated to heritage, education, and outdoor access on Grand Lake. She serves in board leadership with Har-Ber Village Museum, helping guide strategy, fundraising, and partnerships for the Village’s next phase. Elizabeth is known for bringing people together—connecting local businesses, civic groups, and regional partners to strengthen cultural assets and tourism. She is committed to transparent stewardship and long-term sustainability so Har-Ber Village remains a gathering place for families and learners of all ages.

Rex Wood is a Langley, Oklahoma community volunteer and heritage advocate on Grand Lake. At Har-Ber Village Museum, he contributes to collaborative projects that enhance visitor experiences and strengthen regional partnerships. Known for practical problem-solving and a steady, team-first approach, Rex helps move ideas into action—from event support to on-the-ground improvements. He is committed to keeping the Village welcoming for families, students, and lifelong learners.

Cassie Brown is a Grove, Oklahoma community volunteer with a passion for local history and outdoor learning. At Har-Ber Village Museum, she supports visitor hospitality and hands-on programs that help families and students connect with pioneer life on Grand Lake. Known for warm, solution-oriented service and reliable follow-through, Cassie makes guests feel welcome and engaged. She enjoys collaborating with staff and neighbors to expand access, strengthen partnerships, and keep the Village thriving year-round.

Barbara Barnes is a longtime public servant from Jay, Oklahoma, having served many years as Delaware County Clerk, with a passion for preserving local history and strengthening small-town life. Her clerkship experience in stewardship, records management, and accountable governance informs her volunteer leadership at Har-Ber Village Museum. She supports visitor hospitality and special events that connect families and students to pioneer-era stories on Grand Lake. Colleagues know her for calm leadership, dependable follow-through, and a welcoming smile, and she enjoys working with regional partners to expand access, encourage volunteerism, and keep the Village vibrant year-round.

Kimberly Chaps is a Grove, Oklahoma community volunteer and conservation advocate. She serves in leadership with the local Audubon Society chapter, advancing bird-friendly habitat initiatives and public nature education across the Grand Lake region. At Har-Ber Village Museum, she supports visitor experience and hands-on programs that connect families and school groups with the area’s history and ecology. Colleagues value her calm, organized approach and her knack for building partnerships with schools, civic groups, and lake-area businesses.

Jenny Clark is an education leader with Grove Public Schools in Grove, Oklahoma, dedicated to student success and strong school–community partnerships. She helps align classroom curriculum with hands-on learning—connecting students to local history, STEM, and the arts through field trips and collaborative projects. Jenny is known for clear communication, dependable follow-through, and a welcoming approach to families and volunteers. Her steady focus on equity and enrichment creates pathways for every student to learn, belong, and thrive.

Jenny Clark is an education leader with Grove Public Schools in Grove, Oklahoma, dedicated to student success and strong school–community partnerships. She helps align classroom curriculum with hands-on learning—connecting students to local history, STEM, and the arts through field trips and collaborative projects. Jenny is known for clear communication, dependable follow-through, and a welcoming approach to families and volunteers. Her steady focus on equity and enrichment creates pathways for every student to learn, belong, and thrive.

Gary Sparks is an architect based in Grove, Oklahoma, known for context-sensitive design that fits the culture and landscape of Grand Lake. His portfolio spans civic, educational, cultural, and hospitality projects across northeast Oklahoma, emphasizing durability, accessibility, and energy-smart solutions. Gary leads a collaborative process from visioning and master planning through construction administration, earning a reputation for clear communication and dependable delivery. He is active in community design conversations, mentors emerging professionals, and supports local initiatives that strengthen Grove’s built environment and amenities.

Nicole Reynolds is the Executive Director of Har-Ber Village Museum in Grove, Oklahoma, drawing on years as a restaurateur to create welcoming, high-service visitor experiences. She oversees strategy, budgets, and daily operations while leading staff and volunteers to expand programs, exhibits, and campus use. Nicole builds partnerships with schools, tribal and civic groups, and regional tourism to grow attendance and community impact. Known for hands-on leadership and fiscal discipline, she pairs hospitality instincts with nonprofit best practices in fundraising, marketing, and stewardship.

Linda Foster is a Grove, Oklahoma community advocate known for compassionate leadership in adoptions and hands-on service initiatives. She helps families navigate the adoption journey by connecting them with resources, organizing support networks, and offering steady, detail-oriented guidance. Beyond adoption work, Linda coordinates volunteer projects, supply drives, and family-focused events that strengthen neighborhoods across Delaware County. She is committed to building welcoming, resilient communities where every child and caregiver can thrive.

Alexcina Wartski is the Museum Curator at Har-Ber Village Museum, where she is renovating 70+ exhibits and stewarding late-19th/early-20th-century collections. She holds an M.A. in History (Museum Studies) and a certificate in Historic Preservation from UNC Greensboro, plus dual B.A.s in History and Communications from Salem College. A former staffer at the Greensboro Science Center, North Carolina Pottery Center, and Kaleideum, she specializes in inclusive, accessible storytelling (credits include “Uranium Fever!”) and works in PastPerfect, Omeka, StoryMap.JS, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Mike Caywood is a Facilities Director based in Grove, Oklahoma, bringing seasoned operations and maintenance experience from work in Oklahoma’s state parks. He oversees campus infrastructure, capital repairs, and preventive maintenance with a strong focus on safety, accessibility, and visitor experience. His state-park background sharpened skills in trail and building stewardship, vendor management, and emergency preparedness. Colleagues know Mike for practical problem-solving and collaborative leadership that extend the life of assets while supporting year-round programs and events.

Jeff McSweeney is a nonprofit leader with 30+ years in fundraising, strategy, and communications. He has built high-performing development systems and secured multi-million-dollar support as Mayor/Development Director at Har-Ber Village Museum and Senior Director of Development & Outreach at Catholic Charities. A former campaign and turnaround lead for cultural and youth organizations, he also provides branding, web, photo/video, and CRM strategy. Jeff holds an MFA (SCAD) and a BA (Eureka College) and has served in elected city leadership—often called an “agent of transformation.”