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FULLNAME: Brian D. Theel
CITYSTATEZIP: Milwaukee, WI 53215
EDUCATION: MBA - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. BS - Carroll College, Waukesha, WI Majors in Economics and
Land-Use Planning.
OCCUPATION: I have worked in marketing management and as a consultant. This was done while self employed and while
working for Rexnord, Inc. and Kelley Dock Systems.
INVOLVEMENT: My involvement with Wisconsin Public Radio as a listener goes back to 1968, when my sixth grade teacher,
Mr. Mackin, had the class listen to a weekly children’s news program hosted by Christopher Glenn. I believe the name
of the program was In the News. From this beginning, I believe WPR has provided me with my primary source of continuing
education through the years. As a production worker at General Motors, the mind numbing tedium was made bearable as I
listened to programs such as Chapter a Day, University of the Air, and Margaret Andreason. Through the years, whether
in my office or my car, my radio is usually tuned to WHAD. Over time, I have contributed financially when able and
with suggestions when I felt that I had something to offer in that respect. Now, I would like to increase my level of
involvement as a member of the Board of Directors
WHYSERVE: I have chosen to serve because I believe that fresh ideas will benefit WPR. From programming to promotion,
it is my belief that the offerings have stagnated in recent years. I believe I can assist with an infusion of new and
fresh ideas. I question why an entire network is dedicated to the programming of classical music. This to me is an
anachronism. Forty to fifty years ago, when FM was in its developmental stages, public radio and classical music were
closely linked, but today I do not see such a need. Surely, other genres deserve some of the 168 hour a week devoted
to classical music. Simply Folk, a successful WPR offering for over thirty years now might be expanded from its current
three hour a week to three hours a day. Again, this is an area which should be explored as an attempt is made to expand
the listener base.
REPRESENTATION: I believe that the primary function of a corporate director is to provide guidance and oversight to
the corporation’s management. It is in these areas that I would concentrate my efforts as a director. My background
in marketing will enable me to assist in the development of strategies to broaden the listener base and identify areas
where additional marketing efforts might lead to increased revenues.
FUNDRAISING: I would use my background as a marketing professional to identify and develop strategies to address this
area of development.
FEEDBACK: I would work with my fellow board members and WPR management to build a consensus on programming. Also,
I would solicit the ideas of the listeners in this process. I believe that many of the ideas for change will come from
this source. I would also work to increase the representation of the southeast on the board. After all, this region
represents approximately one third of the population of our state.
RESPONSIBILITY: I believe that it should be the Board of Directors responsibility to provide advice, guidance and
ultimately approval with regard to the dispersal of contributions made to the organization.
AFFILIATIONS: Past President of Christcross, a ministry of the Lutheran Church in the Milwaukee area.
Past Board Member of The Coffee House in Milwaukee.
REGION: Southeastern
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