Comanche Museum names new board members

(September 10, 2010) LAWTON, OK – The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC) announces the appointments of Dr. Patsy M. Couts, Kheri Jhane Myers-NoiseCat and Blanche Wahnee to its Board of Directors.  Bill Shoemate, a CNMCC board member board since 2008, will retain his seat for an additional three years.

“The addition of these three highly educated professionals ensures our museum will continue to benefit from a diversity of knowledge and opinions. These ladies bring years of experience in regards to education and Native art and culture.  This along with their strong leadership skills, and a love for the Comanche way will prove beneficial to our museum,” said CNMCC Executive Director, Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi.

Dr. Couts holds a Doctorate of Education from Oklahoma State University and serves as the chair of the Advanced Professional Services and Instructional Media Educational Program Coordinator for the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma.  Her areas of expertise are multiple technology applications, research and library services.  Dr. Couts will serve as the board chairman through September 2013.

Myers-NoiseCat is recognized throughout the United States as a world champion Native Southern Buckskin dancer.  She is a noted award-winning dressmaker, beadworker and traditional regalia designer.  She currently holds the position of Tribal Outreach Director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), and most recently served as the Executive Director of the American Indian National Center for Television and Film in Los Angeles, California.  She has in-depth experience in the fields of publishing, public relations and fundraising.  Myers-NoiseCat will serve as the board’s vice chairman through September 2013.

Blanche Wahnee holds a Master of Arts in Art and Education from Columbia University in New York City, New York.  She is the former chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.  During her time at Haskell, she authored and designed the university’s general education curriculum and Bachelor of Arts and sciences degree.  She has extensive experience in costume design and has participated in several art shows across the United States.  Wahnee will serve as the board’s secretary/treasurer through September 2013.
The three new appointees join a five-member board that oversees CNMCC’s overall operation.  Board members are selected by the Comanche Nation Business Committee.

About CNMCC:
The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is an entity of the Comanche Nation. The museum opened to the public in September 2007 with the mission of preserving and expanding the knowledge of local communities about Indian Arts and Culture with an emphasis on Comanche history and culture.  For more information, visit www.comanchemuseum.com.