Black joins WCM as executive director

Wisconsin Community Media is happy to announce that Andrew Black has accepted the role of WCM Executive Director.

Black will take over from Interim Executive Director Jeff Robbins effective April 1.

Until recently, Black had been the media production coordinator for West Bend Community Television, where he produced programming for the City’s Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) cable access television channels, including live broadcasts of public meetings, event coverage, studio productions and specialty video productions for the City of West Bend.

“I'm thrilled to be leading Wisconsin Community Media,” said Black. “Community media stations are a lifeblood of their communities and give a platform to local voices. I'm committed to supporting our stations and independent producers by ensuring they continue to thrive through our mission of advocacy, collaboration, and education.”

Wisconsin Community Media would like to thank Jeff Robbins, who stepped in when the organization needed an interim executive director following last year’s retirement of long-time director Mary Cardona. Robbins has accepted a position with Wisconsin Public Radio and began with that organization on April 1.

The WCM Executive Director works closely with the WCM president, WCM board of directors, and WCM committees and interacts with all members to further WCM’s goals and initiatives. The executive director is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the association, implementing public policy initiatives, organizing conference and workshop events, authoring public and internal communications, posting on social media, maintaining the WCM website, developing relationships with organizations, and performing other work as assigned by the WCM board.

Welcome aboard, Andrew!

Trusty joins city of Verona as communications manager

Trusty with Don Hooser, one of her favorite SPMC producers

Trusty with a group of SPMC KIDS4 participants

Former Sun Prairie Media Center production manager Mara Trusty is now the city of Verona’s new communications manager. Trusty joined Verona on March 25.

Trusty worked at the Sun Prairie Media Center since 2010, where she was known as an accomplished video director, trusted creative collaborator, and skilled graphic designer. She also launched the very successful series of annual SPMC summer workshops.

Trusty holds a degree in History, Behavioral Science & Law from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with an associate degree in Digital Art & Animation from the Madison Media Institute.

According to city administrator Jamie Aulik, Trusty’s experience in media, communications, and local government is going to mean great things for the city of Verona.

“(She is) definitely going to be an asset to the community and to us at the City of Verona,” Aulik said. 

Village of McFarland hires new communications manager

The Village of McFarland is proud to announce that Melanie Camellia (she/they) has joined their staff as their new Communications Manager.

Camellia grew up in McFarland and is excited to return to serve their hometown.

Camellia began their professional communications career at the University of California-San Francisco before moving to the Washington D.C. area where they worked in a variety of communications-centric roles within the wellness industry.

Camellia’s experience includes public relations, digital and social media, journalism, editorial work, content marketing, strategic communications, and more.

In her role as Communications Manager, Camellia will oversee the operations of McFarland’s local PEG channel WMCF, the provision of audio-visual and technical support to the village, and the recording of Village government and community meetings and events.

Camellia will also serve as the village’s Public Information Officer, manage the village’s newsletters and website, assist in the coordination and promotion of village and community events, and develop internal and external communications strategies.

Camellia began their role on February 26.