WGBY board welcomes new members

Date: 12/10/2012

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the WGBY Board of Tribunes have voted to accept three new members to join their 2013 roster.

Merricka Breuer, Patricia Crutchfield and Norma Friedman were named as the newest members of WGBY's board at the station's annual meeting Nov. 27.

Each brings varied experiences to the table.

As director of Marketing and Business Development at Ink & Toner Solutions in Northampton, in addition to being the mother of what she calls "a PBS child," Breuer sees more than one angle.

"I look forward to bringing a perspective on being young in Western Massachusetts. It's an honor to work with people who value ageless education," Breuer said.

Friedman, adjunct professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst's University without Walls said, "I have high regard for the mission of public television. It's a crucial element in the crowded world of all sorts of media and provides programs that are simply not available anywhere else!"

Friedman continued, "I also am deeply committed to WGBY's outreach efforts and hope I can bring some of my expertise and energy to the board to continue its good work."

Crutchfield, director of Human Resources at the Gandara Mental Health Center in Springfield, brings to WGBY's board more than two decades of experience in organizational management, development and strategic planning.

WGBY General Manager Rus Peotter anticipates a productive year ahead.

"Pat, Norma and Merricka are exciting additions to the WGBY Board. They bring an extraordinary range of skills, experience and perspective to our organization from marketing to writing to human resources. We are looking forward to their help and guidance as we work together building a stronger community through learning and understanding," he said.