Wisconsin DNR

27 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as a communications planner/producer, grant and loan team administrator and waterway access coordinator

Senior Public Affairs Manager – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison (1990 - 1997)

Coordinated outreach and public involvement for Enforcement Division, Office of Planning and Analysis, and the State Natural Resources Board in addition to numerous internal communications projects; securing air time for Public Service Announcements (PSAs).

Responsibilities included issues management, project planning and management, media liaison, citizen involvement counsel, partnership development, crisis management and media training, event planning, copy and script writing, technology trends and creative applications.

Wrote, hosted and directed department videos and PSAs including:

  • “Natural Connections”, a 20-minute video providing overview of agency for use in group presentations, career day events, new employee orientation, CATV. Production: DNR Bureau of Communication and Education. Winner of 1998 Telly Finalist Award and 1st place (Gold) at the 1999 Aurora Awards, both in Corporate Image category.
  • “Nature’s Protectors”, a 7-minute video designed for use in classrooms as a component of the Conservation Warden “Joining Forces” campaign. Production: DNR Bureau of Communication and Education. Winner of 1997 International Television Association Vidie Merit Award in Corporate Image category and Best of Show (Platinum) at the 1999 Aurora Awards in the Youth Film/Videotape category.

 

Government Outreach Supervisor – Wisconsin DNR, Eau Claire (1997 - 2017)

Directed administration of DNR West Central and Northern Region Community Financial Assistance programs; developing budgets, supervising staff, and representing the regions in statewide planning and policy development.

Served as liaison to local and county government officials facilitating partnerships involving the Department and other organizations and promoting internal program integration.

Administered the West Central Region’s Lakes, Rivers, Aquatic Invasive Species, Recreational Boating Facilities, Sport Fish Restoration, Clean Vessel Act, and Boating Infrastructure Grant programs.

Coordinated review of waterway access development and abandonment requests and boat launch fees for compliance with state waterway access law.

Radio & Television

Bachelors Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in Journalism and Speech (Broadcast and Film emphasis) and 10 years of professional experience as a television and radio newscaster, producer, writer, and assignment editor.

WAXX-WAYY AM/FM, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (1980-1981)

Reporter, Producer, Morning Drive Newscaster

Produced more than 300 pre-recorded reports.

 

WKOW-TV, Madison, Wisconsin (1982-1990)

Reporter, producing more than 2,400 reports with on-camera, v/o and live remotes including:

  • 1988 Associated Press Broadcast Award for Best Series Reporting (Wisconsin, Division 2) for “The Dump Next Door.”
  • 1988 AP Broadcast Award for Best Sports (Wisconsin, Division 2) for “Fishing for Steelhead.”

Anchor and co-anchor of morning, 6:00 and 10:00 evening newscasts

  • News Assignment Editor and program producer.

*v/o = off camera voice for radio/television spots, public service announcements, in-store and industrial videos.

 

Trans American School of Broadcasting, Madison, Wisconsin (1989 - 1990)

T.V.  Production Instructor – Developed curriculum and taught 16 week television production course.

Developed tests and grade structures, directed community partnership projects, served as counselor, mentor and personnel reference for students.

 

WHYS-FM Community Radio, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (2001-05)

Organizer, Program Producer, Host – helped with early-stage planning, locating studio, refurbishing, and equipping.

Secured Wisconsin Arts Board Grant for Radio Drama program, equipping studio and coordinating initial program development.

Host and producer of "Thinking Outside," a weekly morning-drive news, interview, call-in show featuring ideas for getting outdoors and enjoying the weekends.
Independent Work

In 1999 Bruce received DNR approval to work independently providing communications planning, writing, and voice-over/on-camera talent services for clients and production houses in Western Wisconsin and the Twin Cities.

Writer – “The JBI Advantage,” with TeleVideo Productions, Eau Claire

  • Rewrite and update of industrial video (8 min.) script promoting JBI pneumatic lifts, 5/99

Spokesperson – Royal Credit Union promotions, with Greendoor Graphics, Eau Claire

  • Television and radio spots (:30) for “Fee Bug” campaign, 9/99.
  • “In-store” instructional video on use of RCU online banking services, Production: Post House, Eau Claire 12/00
  • Television (:30) and radio (:60) spots for RCU “Lots of Good Reasons” campaign, 5/01

Narrator – Ardisam Trade Promotion, with StudioOne Teleproductions, Eau Claire

  • Video (8 min.) introducing Earthquake line earth tiller and auger systems to retailers, 10/01

Spokesperson - Wis. Geothermal Assoc., with StudioOne

  • On-camera open and close, trade/sales promotion video introducing geothermal radiant heating systems for homes and other buildings, 11/01

Announcer - Wis. Technical College System, with StudioOne

  • :30 radio promotion of Wisconsin Education Fair career day event. StudioOne Productions, 11/01

Writer/Producer – “Don’t Burn! Recycle” with WDNR Bureau of Communication and Education.

  • Television PSA designed to change public attitudes regarding use of burn barrels, 11/02

Narrator - University of MN-Extension – Voice-over (v/o)* conference video, 11/02

Announcer - Kimber America – v/o :30 television spot for national cable, 11/02


Narrator - Wis. DNR, Brule River Unit – v/o instructional video, 6/02


Narrator - Community Health Partnership - v/o promotional video, 6/02


Announcer - Shooting Sports Magazine – v/o :30 television spot, national cable, 4/03

Narrator - Sacred Heart Hospital – v/o stockholders video, 6/03

*v/o = off camera voice for radio/television spots, public service announcements, in-store and industrial videos.

Waterway Access


Consulting In:

  • Wisconsin Law Related to Access Abandon/Replacement
  • Real Estate History and Tracking Related to Access
  • Development of Proposals Per Administrative Code
  • Work with Towns, Counties, Outdoor and Other Interests
  • DNR Fisheries, Law Enforcement, and Real Estate Review
  • Legal Document Development
  • Circuit Court Approvals, as Needed

 

Grants


Consulting In:

  • Wisconsin Recreation and Surface Water Grants
  • Project Design and Development
  • Collaboration Assessment
  • Relationships with Grantors
  • Work with Groups and Local Governments
  • Applications for Competitive Grant Programs
  • Grant Management, Reimbursement Requests
  • Draft and Submit Final Reports

 

Communications


Services Include:

  • Communications Planning
  • Collaboration Assessment
  • Media Campaign Development and Management
  • Broadcast, Online, Print, and Educational Media Production
  • Event Planning, Media Relations
  • Voice Over an On-Camera Talent