Friends of PBS Wisconsin

The Friends of PBS Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and exists to ascertain the needs of the communities served and support PBS Wisconsin through the securing financial support, positive community relations, a strong and effective volunteer system, and related administrative services.

Organizational Structure

The Friends of PBS Wisconsin has a Board of Directors comprised of individuals selected from across the state. New appointments are approved by current Board members. The Board is responsible for oversight of policies, budgets, financials, and the duties of the Executive Director. The Officers of the Board of Directors include the President, Vice President, Executive Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Friends of PBS Wisconsin Board of Directors maintains four (4) standing committees: Executive Committee, Governance & Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee. The Board may establish additional committees and create special ad hoc committees and task forces as it deems appropriate from time to time.

A marquee reads "ETC Welcomes Friends of PBS Wisconsin" while members of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board post for a photo above the sign. — Directors of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board meet at Electronic Theatre Controls in Middleton, WI in 2024.

“To support the educational, cultural, and community broadcasting services of PBS Wisconsin…”

—From the Mission Statement of Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

Board of Directors

Kyle LaFond, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Kyle LaFond, President
MOUNT HOREB, WI
Term (3rd) end date: June 2028

Kyle LaFond is the founder, president, and CEO of Natural Contract Manufacturing and American Provenance, both small businesses based in Blue Mounds that focus on natural personal care, lifestyle, and home products. His career in manufacturing and consumer packaged goods began humbly, as his first company was launched from a former machine shed situated on his fourth-generation family farm. LaFond holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Natural Resources and Broadfield Science Education. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, an executive in the beer brewing industry, and a middle school science teacher.

Portrait of Friends of PBS Wisconsin board member Paula Bonner.

Paula Bonner, Vice President
MADISON, WI
Term (3rd) end date: June 2028

Paula Bonner was the president of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and chief alumni officer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, retiring in 2017. She was a member of UW’s leadership council and the executive team of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Bonner served on major search and screen committees for key university positions, including chancellor, athletic director, deans, and other academic and non-academic leadership hires. She chaired the Board for the Council of Alumni Association Executives, which includes the 100 largest public and private universities in the U.S. and Canada. Bonner currently serves on the International Board of Trustees for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In 2015, she was inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame.

Randy VanRooyen, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Randy Van Rooyen, Treasurer
WAUNAKEE, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2027

Randy Van Rooyen is the senior vice president of strategic relationships at Trust Point, bringing over two decades of investment experience with individuals, families, executive management teams, and nonprofit organizations. He collaborates with Trust Point’s development and client contact teams while working directly with assigned clients to reinforce Trust Point as a trusted partner. Van Rooyen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and attained the “Chartered Financial Analyst” designation, one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession. He is actively involved in Rotary Club and serves on various boards and investment committees. Van Rooyen enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle by biking and spending time outdoors.

Jen McClure, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Jen McClure, Secretary
OCONOMOWOC, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2026

Jen McClure is a board director and advisor with extensive executive experience in the media, communications, information services, and technology industries. She previously served as vice president of digital and social media at Thomson Reuters, chief marketing officer at Redwood Collaborative Media, and as the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Society for New Communications Research. She is currently on the boards of LUCI Creative and Miracle Messages. She has previously served on the boards of KQED, Observer Publishing, and the United Nations Social Media Advisory Council. McClure holds a master’s degree from Stanford University, a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence, and a graduate certificate in History, Politics and Society from Oxford University.

Sujhey Beisser, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Sujhey Beisser
MADISON, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2026

Sujhey Beisser is the Assistant Vice President of Strategy and Development for Park Bank in Madison, where she has a distinguished 22-year tenure. In her leadership role, she has co-chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee since its inception in 2019. Under her guidance, the bank has implemented impactful strategies, including unconscious bias training for managers by Franklin Covey, a comprehensive equity and inclusion assessment by Nina Collective, and the establishment of the bank’s first Associate Resource Groups in 2024. Beisser’s commitment to community progress is evident in her decade-long service on the Centro Hispano of Dane County board and her current role on the Madison Public Market Foundation Board of Directors.

Lee Caraher, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Lee Caraher
EAU CLAIRE, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2027

Lee Caraher is the president and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and strategic communications firm. She has served on various nonprofit boards, including the Governors of Public Advocates, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Public Relations Council, KQED Public Media, San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, Community Gatepath, the Marine Mammal Center, and St. Paul’s Choir School. Caraher is the author of two acclaimed books, “Millennials & Management: The Essential Guide to Making it Work at Work” and “The Boomerang Principle: Inspire Lifetime Loyalty from Your Employees (even after they leave).” A graduate of Carleton College, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in medieval history.

Tom Fisk, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Tom Fisk
APPLETON, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2028

Tom Fisk is a partner and managing broker at NAI Pfefferle, responsible for the sales and leasing of retail, office, industrial, and investment properties in northeastern Wisconsin. With over 30 years of experience in real estate, he has been involved in leasing, site selection, property management, and sales for development companies and brokerage firms. Fisk is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, and he serves as Chairman of the Commercial Council for the Realtors Association of Northeastern Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley and is a licensed broker who has received numerous professional achievements from the state of Wisconsin for his brokerage work.

Eve Galanter, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Eve Galanter
MADISON, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2026

Eve Galanter founded the Wisconsin Civics Games, a statewide competition for high school students, as part of her role on the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation board. She is the former president of Galanter Public Affairs Consulting, has served on the Madison City Council, and previously directed Sen. Herb Kohl’s Madison office. She has served on boards for Wisconsin Women in Government, TEMPO Madison, the Madison Civics Club, the Madison Public Library, and the Capital Times Kids Fund. As chair of the Wisconsin Women’s Network, Galanter spearheaded the Wisconsin Women’s Policy Institute, the first nonpartisan training program aimed at increasing the number of women leaders in public policy.

Black-and-white portrait of a woman with long hair, glasses, and beaded necklaces, smiling slightly against a dark background.

Jennifer Gauthier
SHAWANO, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2028

Jennifer Gauthier is an enrolled member of the Menominee Nation, located in what is now known as the state of Wisconsin. Gauthier earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She provides leadership to various institutions on the Menominee Indian Reservation and in other higher education settings. Her career includes working with tribes throughout the state and with other Indigenous communities worldwide, building community through place-based knowledge and sharing sustainability efforts in innovative ways. At the core of Gauthier’s work is the integration of Menominee language and culture into every aspect of professional and everyday life. A proud PBS kid, she is committed to lifelong learning.

Terry Kaldhusdal
OCONOMOWOC, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2028

Terry Kaldhusdal is an author, filmmaker, and retired teacher who spent 31 years inspiring students in the Kettle Moraine School District where he emphasized critical thinking, civic responsibility, curiosity, and empathy—values all reflected in his award-winning documentaries, including Consider the Conversation, which aired on PBS. A passionate supporter of student storytelling, Kaldhusdal mentored many National History Day honorees and created over 40 short films for national education groups. He and his wife coordinate the Art of Writing conference at the Milwaukee Art Museum, bringing together students from across Wisconsin. A former journalist and co-author of books like 6th Grade Ready, Kaldhusdal was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame for the class of 2024.

Oscar Mireles, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Oscar Mireles
MADISON, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2028

Oscar Mireles is the founder and executive director of Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD). This statewide Latino arts organization arranges exhibitions, concerts, films, festivals, and the Wisconsin Conference on Latino Arts and Culture. He co-founded Art Party Madison, a monthly networking event for artists and activists. Mireles served as the poet laureate for the city of Madison from 2016 to 2020. He published “Second Generation” and edited three anthologies titled “I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos In Wisconsin” and is currently working on the fourth installment. Mireles served as executive director of Omega School for thirty years before retiring in 2024. Throughout his career, he personally helped thousands of young adults in Dane County earn their GED/HSED credentials.

Lisa O’Flyng
WAUSAU, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2027

Lisa O’Flyng is the marketing director at Ruder Ware, a full-service business law firm headquartered in Wausau. She oversees the firm’s advertising, marketing, public relations, and social media efforts. Civic leadership and engagement have played an important role in her professional life. Most recently, she initiated Ruder Ware Cares, a program connecting employees to community organizations through volunteer projects. O’Flyng holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a double minor in journalism and public relations from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. A devoted fan of PBS, she and her husband are raising two boys with a passion for public television.

Marc Perry, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Marc Perry
BELOIT, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2026

Marc Perry has 30 years of experience working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds. He is the executive director of Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth Counties, responsible for ensuring the organization remains true to its mission of helping families achieve economic self-reliance. Perry provides technical assistance to partner organizations and conducts cultural equity workshops for both private and public institutions across the Midwest. He has directed youth and family development initiatives for Wyman, Mentor St. Louis, and Kohl Children’s Museum. Perry’s background includes working with youth affected by HIV, managing camping programs, and coordinating youth and family programming.

Steve Plumb, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Steve Plum
WALES, WI
Term (2nd) end date: June 2027

Steve Plum has been a public educator since 1993. Having worked in Minnesota and Wisconsin, his ideal concept of education offers a practical approach to future student success and serves as a springboard for creative and critical thinking. Plum holds bachelor’s degrees in philosophy from St. John’s University and in biology from Bemidji State University, as well as master’s degrees in biology and administrative leadership from Bemidji State and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He earned his Ph.D. in Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Plum taught science and biology in public education for 27 years and developed and directed the High School of Health Sciences in the Kettle Moraine School District, where he serves as superintendent.

Tracey Robertson, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Tracey Robertson
STURGEON BAY, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2027

Tracey Robertson is the CEO of QUAD DEI Consultants and a respected equity coach, consultant, and social justice advocate. In 2025, she became the Executive Director of Growing Resiliency, a grassroots nonprofit based in Green Bay dedicated to empowering children through high-impact tutoring that promotes both literacy and resilience. Recognized as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential African Americans, Robertson has been featured on PBS Wisconsin’s Here & Now, WBAY’s Power 2 Change, and TEDxOshkosh. She has also delivered keynote addresses across the state. From 2017 to 2019, she created and hosted Real Gospel Radio, a weekly program that celebrated gospel music and culture. Robertson is the author of two books: “My Undiluted, Unapologetic Love for the Music Artist Prince” and her recent memoir, “Growing Up Stained.”

Julie Steinert, a member of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board

Julie Steinert
KOHLER, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2027

Julie Steinert has a 35-year background in philanthropy, advancement, and community engagement. As the philanthropy manager at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, she drives strategic initiatives and develops meaningful relationships with those served by palliative and hospice services. Previously, she held the position of Senior Director of Advancement at Lakeland University. Steinert earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Marquette University, where she actively participated in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Women’s Track & Field and Marquette University Television. In addition to her professional endeavors, Steinert has devoted her time to serving on the board of directors for the Sheboygan Pine Hills Country Club and as a celebrity dancer for Lakeland University’s Movers and Shakers Gala.

Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with long light hair, wearing a dark top and circular pendant necklace, seated indoors.

Martha Vukelich-Austin
MADISON, WI
Term (1st) end date: June 2028

Martha Vukelich-Austin is the Vice President of AVA Civic Enterprises, collaborating with organizations on strategic and developmental initiatives. She previously served in Attorney General Jim Doyle’s administration, led the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools, worked as a philanthropy advisor at Planned Parenthood, and held various positions in the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education’s Office of Community and Advancement. Her community service spans decades, including leadership roles in Madison Public Schools, Madison Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Madison, YWCA Madison, City of Madison Police and Fire Commission, University of Wisconsin Athletic Board, and Wisconsin Alumni Association National Board. Vukelich-Austin is a lifelong Madisonian and proud Badger, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Jon Miskowski, Ex-Officio
MADISON, WI

Jon Miskowski is the director of television at PBS Wisconsin and currently leads the six-station PBS Wisconsin network, which includes high definition and multicast channels, local and national production, online services, and community outreach.

Five members of the Friends of PBS Wisconsin board pose for a photo after a meeting. — Friends of PBS Board Officers (from left to right): Reed Hall, Immediate Past President; Paula Bonner, Vice President; Nicholas Mischler, Treasurer; Jen McClure, Secretary; Kyle LaFond, President

Meetings

The Friends of PBS Wisconsin Board of Directors meets at least three times per year in locations across the state. Meetings of the Board of Directors and most of its committees are open to the public. To ensure that we have space for all who want to attend, we ask that members of the public who are interested in coming to a meeting phone us at (608) 263-4096 within the five days prior to a specific meeting.

FULL BOARD MEETINGS
FISCAL YEAR 2026

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: TBA
Agenda: TBA

Date: Friday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Online Only: Zoom
Agenda:

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Agenda:

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Agenda:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
FISCAL YEAR 2026

Date: TBA
Online Only: Zoom link TBA
Agenda: TBA

GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETINGS FISCAL YEAR 2026

Date: TBA
Online Only: Zoom link TBA
Agenda: TBA

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
FISCAL YEAR 2026

Date: TBA
Online Only: Zoom link TBA
Agenda: TBA

AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETINGS
FISCAL YEAR 2026

Date: TBA
Online Only: Zoom link TBA
Agenda: TBA

Contact

Eric Greiling

Director of Development
Executive Director, Friends of PBS Wisconsin
[email protected]
608-265-0691

Lorrie Goodwin

Friends of PBS Wisconsin Finance Manager
[email protected]
608-263-0931

Black and white image of a smiling woman with curly hair wearing a crochet cardigan over a white top.

Sally Buffat

Executive Assistant
[email protected]
608-263-4096

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