Management | SDPB

Julie Overgaard, Executive Director

Julie Overgaard has served as Executive Director for South Dakota Public Broadcasting since 1997. As Executive Director, Overgaard is responsible for operations of the state network, which includes 9 TV and 11 Radio transmitters, as well as 6 TV and 9 Radio translators. Under her direction, the network has expanded its radio coverage and won numerous local, regional, and national awards. 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. Julie is a member of the Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary and has served on several national public broadcasting boards and committees. 

Twyla Olson, Assistant General Manager and Director of Content

Twyla Olson served as Vice President of Membership at Friends of SDPB for 3 years before taking on her current role. She worked with various national public media organizations for 15 years prior to joining SDPB. As an avid consumer of public media since her childhood in Webster, SD, Twyla is passionate about its mission to provide educational resources and to serve the underserved in our rural communities. Twyla is a graduate of Augustana University, where she learned to love the art and craft of storytelling.

Dr. Marcy Drew, Director of Education 

Marcy Drew joined South Dakota Public Broadcasting in 2021 after working in early childhood education for over 20 years as a childcare provider, home visitor, Head Start teacher and education coordinator, university instructor, and trainer. Drew earned her undergraduate degree at South Dakota State University and graduate degrees at the University of South Dakota. She grew up on a farm in central SD and now lives in Sioux Falls with her family. 

SeVern Ashes, Director of Engineering and Operations

Brad Van Osdel, Director of Entertainment Content

Brad Van Osdel was named Director of Educational Content at SDPB in 2019. He began his broadcasting career at his alma mater, SDSU, in 1991. SDPB hired Brad as a videographer/editor in 1996 and by 1998 became Production Manager. He’s been involved in developing and overseeing SDPB’s coverage of SDHSAA events, produced sports and music documentaries, and has had a hand in nearly every TV program produced by SDPB. Brad was born in Yankton and is a proud graduate of Gayville-Volin High School. 

Cara Hetland, Director of Journalism Content

Cara Hetland has more than 35 years of experience in public radio as a reporter, producer, and news director. Over the years she has told many stories about South Dakota. Now she has the pleasure of overseeing a team that reports the stories that are important to 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. They have three daughters.

Fritz Miller, Director of Programming & Communications

Fritz Miller began work at South Dakota Public Broadcasting in 2005 as Director of Marketing. In 2021 his duties grew to include TV and Radio programming. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Fritz worked for 20 years in commercial radio and television in roles ranging from writer/producer to station manager. He and his wife have two grown sons.