Friends of SDPB Welcome Twyla Olson Friends of SDPB is happy to announce Twyla Olson is the new Director of Membership. Born and raised in Webster, Olson graduated from Aberdeen Central and Augustana University with a degree in English Literature and a teaching certificate. Olson joins SDPB from Car Talk Vehicle Donation Services, where she worked with public TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. Before that, she served at Minnesota Public Radio’s national program distribution arm, American Public Media, where she sold programming to stations. “I see SDPB playing a huge role in education of all ages in South Dakota. It helped me widen my understanding of our state and the wider world as I grew up here. SDPB knits us together locally and broadens our perspectives as citizen of this country and this world. It challenges us with new ideas and comforts us with old friends. It’s my constant companion and has been my entire adult life.” Olson shares memorable moments from her career in public broadcasting: “Working at MPR and APM afforded me the ability to make friends with many of the voices you hear each day on the air. Meeting and working with Kia Ryssdal and the creators of Marketplace was a huge
treat. Meeting and working with Tom and Ray from Car Talk, as well as Doug Berman, creator of both Car Talk and Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me! increased my appreciation of the genius and hard work that goes into making great radio. Working with and calling Lynne Rosetto Kasper a friend and talking recipes and food with her is a treasured memory. Working with stations to increase their revenue through vehicle donation was rewarding on so many levels, but one of my favorite memories was when a tiny station in Gallup, NM (KGLP) received a vehicle that netted the station $22,000. That was larger than any single gift they had ever received. They were thrilled. It made a huge impact on their station. But my favorite part of working with stations is meeting the people on the ground, the ones doing the day-to-day work. The dedication to the mission of public media that abounds in this industry is a constant reminder of why this is where I choose to work.” Olson is headquartered at SDPB’s Sioux Falls Studio. “I’m thrilled to be here,” says Olson. “It feels like coming home. Growing up in northeastern South Dakota, it wasn’t Fall without a trip to Sica Hollow to see the brilliant change of colors, or Summer without numerous outings
to the beautiful, regional lakes. However, my favorite activity is searching out all the hidden antique stores in tiny towns throughout the state and collecting vintage treasures, especially local folk art. Now that I’m living in Sioux Falls again I’ll be rediscovering the city and trying all the new eateries and breweries! Send me your recommendations!” Contact Twyla Olson with comments, questions or local restaurant suggestions at Twyla.Olson@sdpb.org or 605-367-7001.
Black Hills Area Community Foundation Endowment Match
SDPB supporters have an opportunity to strengthen their impact, thanks to a match from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF). “Nonprofit organizations play an important role in maintaining the health and vibrancy of the Black Hills region. We believe in their work and we are committed to helping them be successful. One of the many ways we provide support is though our funding opportunities like our current Endowment Matching Campaign. As these endowed funds grow, so does our ability to distribute perpetual funding for years to come. The Black Hills Area Community Foundation is proud to help Black Hills nonprofit organizations sustain their work in this beautiful place we call home,” says Liz Hamburg, Executive Director of Black Hills Area Community Foundation. To take part in this exciting opportunity, contact Carol Johnson, Major Giving & Donor Engagement, Friends of SDPB, carol.johnson@sdpb.org / 605-880-5094. 24
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