SDPB Management
Julie Overgaard, Executive Director
Julie Overgaard has worked for South Dakota Public Broadcasting for over 15 years, currently as Executive Director of the statewide network. She began her career in public broadcasting working part-time in the development department while completing her BA in English and Journalism from South Dakota State University. Upon graduation, Overgaard took a full-time position in the membership office at SDPB. In 1992 she was promoted to Membership Manager and in 1994 was named Director of Development. During her tenure, SDPB was honored with the national PBS Membership, On-Air Achievement and Overall Development awards.
She was named Executive Director in 1997. As Executive Director Overgaard is responsible for operations of the state network which includes 9 TV and 9 Radio transmitters, as well as 9 TV and 10 Radio translators. Under her direction the network has won numerous local and national awards. In 2002, Overgaard was honored with the National Advocacy Award from the Association of Public Television Stations for her efforts to bring rural broadband issues before the U.S. Senate. Overgaard is a member of the Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary and serves on several committees of the Tea School Association. Any questions about the SDPB network as a whole, funding, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting or legislative issues should be directed to Julie.
Larry Rohrer, Director of Content
Long known as the voice of SDPB from nearly 20 years on radio and announcements, Larry Rohrer was appointed to this new position in May, 2007. The position was created to help SDPB continue the move towards better coordination and utilization of new and existing media, and to accomplish key strategic planning goals to increase local content and create a multi-media environment. Prior to this, Rohrer served as Director of SDPB's Online services from 1998 to 2007 and Director of Radio from 1992 to 1998. Rohrer should be contacted with any general questions about SDPB programming and strategic planning.
Cara Hetland, Director of Radio
Cara Hetland has more than 25 years in public radio as a reporter, producer and News Director. Hetland is also host of Dakota Midday Innovation, which airs on alternate Fridays. Over the years she has told many stories about South Dakota. Hetland also teaches media writing at the University of Sioux Falls in the spring semester and enjoys working with interns to develop their own style of storytelling. She lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Daren and three daughters.
Kent Osborne, Director of Digital
Kent Osborne became Digital Director in the summer of 2007. He has been part of SDPB for 34 years. Osborne, a South Dakota native, started part time in TV production and broadcast operations in 1982, working as a broadcast technician and moving into television production. In 1996, he helped pioneer SDPB's Web site, eventually producing one of the best sites in the country. In 2000 Osborne took the South Dakota legislature online, webcasting and archiving nearly 24 hours of audio each legislative day for the last 16 years. Osborne was born in Mitchell and attended local schools there. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Osborne is active in the community of Vermillion where was an Alderman for 10 years, and served as the President of the Vermillion City Council, and is currently a Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2421 and the Dakota State Aerie.
Bob Bosse, Director of Television
Bob Bosse has been with SDPB since 1998 and became Director of Television in 2002. He oversees the acquisition and scheduling of national programming, as well as the production of local programs. Questions about SDPB Television programming or PBS should be directed to Bosse.
SeVern Ashes, Director of Engineering and Operations
Fritz Miller, Director of Marketing
Fritz Miller has been with SDPB since August, 2005. He oversees the Marketing Department which produces promotional materials for SDPB, and supports the efforts of Development, Education & Outreach, Television, Radio and Online. For information about South Dakota Public Broadcasting and our programs, to arrange an interview with a member of the SDPB staff, or to request photos, contact Fritz Miller via email at fritz.miller@state.sd.us or by phone at 605.677.6455.