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April 20, 2009

Seasoned Development Officer Betsy Gerdeman Joins KLRU

Austin, TX -- KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, announced today that Betsy Gerdeman has joined the staff as Senior Vice President of Development. Gerdeman brings more than 20 years of fundraising expertise to the public television station.  Her career spans several fields including the United Way and public broadcasting in Florida, Texas, Northern Virginia and Washing ton, DC.

“Betsy’s prior experience working for PBS both on the local and national levels makes her an ideal choice for this position.” said Bill Stotesbery, General Manager of KLRU. “Her deep and diverse experience with all aspects of development from membership to major donors to capital campaigns will be vital to KLRU’s future.”

Before joining KLRU, Gerdeman served as Vice President for Community Engagement for the Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston overseeing strategic plans, development, marketing, communications, interfaith programming and volunteer services.  While there she exceeded revenue forecast by 10%, increased donor base by 15% and doubled the overall renewal rate for donors.

“I am thrilled to be “home” in public television and in Central Texas!,” Gerdeman said, “I have always known KLRU to be a great station and I am honored to be joining an awesome team in Development.”

Prior to Interfaith Ministries, she was VP and Chief Development Officer for the Treasure Valley YMCA.  Her career in public broadcasting began at KLRN and she has worked at WETA and PBS.  She has a BS from Trinity University in San Antonio and an MBA from Boston University and has studied at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

Gerdeman will oversee membership, major donors, grants and corporate underwriting at KLRU.

About KLRU

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest running live music television show Austin City Limits, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including the documentaries Last Best Hope and Lady Bird. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

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