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.