SDPB Management

Executive Director Julie Andersen 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, Andersen 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 Andersen 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, Andersen 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. Andersen 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.

Director of Content Larry Rohrer, long known as the voice of SDPB from nearly 20 years on radio and announcements, 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, Larry served as Director of SDPB's Online services from 1998 to 2007 and Director of Radio from 1992 to 1998. Larry should be contacted with any general questions about SDPB programming and strategic planning.

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 Bob.

Director of Radio Joe Tlustos, who has nearly three decades of radio experience in Minnesota and South Dakota, is the Director of Radio for SDPB's 9 stations state-wide. Previous to joining SDPB, he was the Program Director for KSTP-AM Radio in St. Paul, MN. He was named a top-five finalist for Talk Programmer of the Year by Radio & Records magazine, a top national industry information source, and was recognized as one of the top news and talk radio programmers in the US.
Joe is a South Dakota native, from the Forestburg area. His radio experience includes key positions in Rochester and Mankato, MN., and in Sioux Falls from 1984 to 1986 as Music Director, News Anchor, and Morning Show Host at KIOV-FM. He was graduated with honors from Mankato State University, and was honored for his volunteer and community non-profit leadership roles during his years in Rochester. Joe oversees all SDPB radio programming, including the news and music staff.

If you have any questions or suggestions about SDBP Radio programming, or have story ideas about interesting people, places or activities around South Dakota, contact Joe at 1-800-456-0766.

Director of Education and Online Services Kent Osborne became Director in summer 2007. He has been part of SDPB for 29 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. SDPB.org earned first place honors nationwide from PBS in 2000 as well as numerous first place honors in the state Associated Press radio awards. He has helped produce and prepare hundreds of Web pages for use by educators throughout the state. He officially became Webmaster in October 1997. Under his direction, SDPB Internet has expanded from a limited Web site to a multi-media global computer network broadcaster with audio, video and more than 11,000 pages about South Dakota Public Broadcasting and related programming. In 2000 Osborne took the South Dakota legislature online, webcasting and archiving nearly 24 hours of audio each legislative day for the last 9 years. In 2009 the podcasting of committee meetings was added at the LRC's request. 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 he has been an Alderman for the last 7 years, was active in Boy Scouts of America for 10 years, and is a Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2421. In 2010 he was appointed to the South Dakota Retirement System Board of Trustees, and was elected to serve on that board in 2011.

Director of Engineering and Operations SeVern Ashes

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.