Wisconsin Public Radio Association Board Welcomes New Members

A spring vote by Wisconsin Public Radio members resulted in the election of three new members and two returning members to the Wisconsin Public Radio Association Board of Directors. Joan Rudnitzki, West Bend and Ginger Alden, Wausau are returning board members. Both Rudnitzki and Alden said they are honored to continue their service in the Southeastern and Central regions, respectively. The new faces for the WPRA Board belong to Dean Gagnon, Mary Peterson, and Katherine Schneider.

Gagnon resides in Waunakee and will represent the South Central region of the state. Gagnon has a Master of Science degree and is a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He previously served as the bureau director and educational consultant with the Department of Public Instruction and the regional director of the National FFA Foundation. He has been an active listener for over 35 years and has also spent time as a volunteer for WPR. Gagnon looks forward to helping the Board benefit other listeners. Gagnon has a strong background in advocacy and plans to transfer these skills to his passion for WPR.

Peterson resides in Appleton and will represent the Northeastern region. Peterson worked as a registered nurse at the Madison General Hospital for four years. She is also affiliated with Appleton Medical Center Volunteers and is a strong supporter of the Performing Arts Center. Peterson has listened to WPR since she was a child. Peterson says she will contribute her personal energies to the best of her ability.

Schneider is retired from 30 years as a clinical psychologist. She resides in Eau Claire and will represent the West Central region of the state. Schneider is an active volunteer on community boards. She has served as president of the Eau Claire Public Library Board, vice-president of the Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center Board, and as a member of the Eau Claire Community Cultural Plan. Schneider said WPR is her major source of news, information, and enjoyment, and she enjoys giving back to the causes and services that have been given to her.

Rudnitzki is currently employed as the director of development and marketing with the Museum of Wisconsin Art, and previously held positions in marketing and development with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Wiscraft, the Ice Age Park and Trail Association, YWCA in Milwaukee and Milwaukee Public Television. She was elected to her second term on the WPRA Board, where she currently serves as both board secretary and chair of the board’s development committee.

Alden is the vice-president-community development with River Valley Bank of Wausau. She directed the ArtsBlock Campaign, which raised $13 million to fun additions and renovations to the historic Grant Theater in downtown Wausau. She was elected to her first full term, having been appointed to the WPRA board in 2009 to fill an unexpired term. Alden serves on the board’s finance committee.

The Wisconsin Public Radio Association board of directors is made up of appointed and elected members who advise Wisconsin Public Radio management and staff on fundraising, advocacy, community outreach, and strategic planning issues. The winners begin their four year term on July 1.