WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/21/08) - The Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) has named Gene Purcell as Executive Director of the agency. Purcell joined the ECB as deputy director in April, 2006, and became Interim Director a year ago when the director left. The Educational Communications Board (ECB) is the state agency responsible for ensuring that public radio and television programs and instructional technology services are made available throughout Wisconsin, and that these programs and services reflect and respond to the educational and cultural needs of the state’s residents.

Gene Purcell had assumed the role of interim executive director in June, 2007 after executive director Wendy Wink left to become the Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Prior to joining the ECB, Purcell was the La Crosse area regional manager for Wisconsin Public Radio for 10 years. He brings more than 25 years public broadcasting experience to the position.

In making the announcement, Rolf Wegenke, President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and Chair of Board of Directors, ECB, said “we are extremely pleased to have someone with Gene’s experience in this position. The ECB serves a vital educational mission and works in partnership with a number of constituencies."

"ECB is challenged by growing demands for services, rapidly changing technology, and constrained resources. The Board is confident that Gene will bring both effective leadership and a steady consistency to the task of meeting these challenges,” Wegenke said.

Gene Purcell responded to the announcement saying, “There is no other place where I would rather work. I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the outstanding staff at ECB and in support of ECB’s mission.”

The ECB develops and disseminates educational programming for teachers, students, and parents, primarily in the K-12 community. The ECB also plans, develops, constructs and operates statewide public radio, public television, and educational telecommunication systems.

Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television are services of the ECB and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The agency also has the cooperative relationships with public television stations WDSE-TV/Duluth-Superior and Milwaukee Public Television, as well as with UW campus radio stations. In addition, the ECB assists others in the public sector to meet their needs through the use of telecommunications.

The ECB also develops educational resources such as interactive Web sites, computer software and CD-ROMs. In addition, the ECB is responsible for maintaining NOAA All-Hazards Radio in Wisconsin and the state’s Amber Alert network.

The agency’s headquarters is 3319 Beltline Highway, Madison. ECB employees also work at Vilas Hall on the UW-Campus and at studio and transmitter sites throughout the state.