from the desk of the executive director


Shining a Light – Honoring a Legacy of Dedication Laurie N. Fellenz, Executive Director


“It was never just about balancing the ledgers and man- aging events – it was always about keeping the mission alive. Thank you for nearly 30 years of unwavering dedica- tion.”


As I reflected on my first few months in 2018 at Wisconsin School Music Associa- tion, some of the most vivid memories I had were of Kerrie Brey, WSMA/WMEA/ WFSM finance manager, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to our associations and foundation.


In those early days in my role, it was clear that she deeply understood how the “cars ran and what was under the hood” for almost every area of our three affiliate or- ganizations. Kerrie’s institutional memory and deep level of knowledge provided a solid foundation on which I built a deeper understanding of how the legal and finan- cial side of the associations were structured and how they intersected with their respec- tive mission-driven goals. She was keenly aware of how each organization was both an independent entity and of how their col- lective work was structured and the impact on stakeholders.


In addition to satisfying their individual missions, WSMA, WMEA and WFSM work well collectively toward a vision that students from Wisconsin schools and communities have access to enriching musical opportunities that contribute to a lifetime of involvement and enjoyment. A significant component to fulfilling this charge is our Wisconsin State Music Con- ference held annually in Madison. Over her tenure with the organizations, Kerrie has served as conference manager. It has been impactful to work with Kerrie in her two respective roles – conference manager and finance manager – and a closer look at the responsibilities that intersect in these positions provides an opportunity to make her legacy visible.


Conference Management


Kerrie’s impact through conference man- agement has been a highlight of her work. She has developed critical relationships with exhibitors, sponsors and educators. In honor of Kerrie and her service, my 2024 Wisconsin State Music Conference President’s Welcome & Awards speech, delivered on October 24, is as follows:


This evening, it is my honor to recognize a WSMA staff member who has worked for WSMA, WMEA and the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music for nearly 30 years as our finance manager. In addition


WSMA Concert Festivals & Clinic Experiences wsmamusic.org/concert-festivals


Growing musical youth with valuable concert group performance feedback for nearly a century!


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“…it was clear that she deeply understood how the ‘cars ran and what was under the hood’…”


to this key role, Kerrie also has served as our conference manager during her tenure with the organization.


Our Wisconsin State Music Conference has been held annually at Monona Ter- race since this beautiful facility’s opening in July 1997. To this day, our conference has remained one of the longest-running annual events in this building’s history. Kerrie played a pivotal role in coordinating and managing key aspects of the confer- ence, such as space and technology needs, catering plans, master schedule, relation- ships with exhibitors and construction of the exhibit hall.


In her final two years, as she prepared for retirement, Kerrie stepped aside and supported team members in assuming the roles and responsibilities she previously held. With the retirement of Monona Ter- race’s long-time event services manager, Meg Statz, and our own Program Associate Jerry Hrovat that same year, it marked the end of an era for both organizations.


Thank you, Kerrie, for your dedicated years of service to our associations and the foundation and for all you have done. As we approach your retirement from WSMA in 2025, we look forward to celebrating with you and want you to know how much your service is valued by so many. Your impact on music education in Wisconsin lives on through your colleagues, who carry


April 2025


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