from the desk of the executive director


forward the quality of service and leader- ship you worked tirelessly to establish. We hope you enjoy your first late October break in over a quarter century! Please join me in congratulating Kerrie on her service and retirement.


Finance Management


For Kerrie, it is never just about balancing the ledgers and managing events – it is always about keeping the mission alive. As I reflect on Kerrie’s legacy and our April 2025 WSM theme, there is opportunity to make her (in)visible work more visible for those who may not have directly intersected with her. A key part of Kerrie’s role has been managing both accounts payable and receivable for three organizations.


There were four key areas where Kerrie consistently excelled, ensuring our non- profit associations thrived for both mem- bership and staff: integrity and discretion, nonprofit accounting, attention to detail with a big-picture perspective, and proac- tive problem-solving.


• Integrity and Discretion – Kerrie managed operational funds,


donor funds, grants and restricted accounts, ensuring honesty, transparency and the safeguarding of sensitive financial information without cutting corners. She took great care of the association in both stable and complex times.


• Nonprofit Accounting – Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits


have unique financial requirements, such as fund accounting, grant tracking and compliance with IRS regulations. As finance manager, she worked closely with executive directors to ensure that restricted and unrestricted funds were properly allocated and reported.


• Attention to Detail With a Big-Picture Perspective – While


precision in daily transactions was crucial, Kerrie also deeply understood how financial data tied into the organization’s mission, helping leadership make informed strategic decisions.


Wisconsin School Musician Kerrie pictured with two dozen roses, presented to her by coworkers in her 25th


• Proactive Problem-Solving – The health of our organizations required


anticipating cash flow issues, identifying inconsistencies and addressing financial discrepancies before they became major problems. Kerrie’s ability to do this work daily was invaluable to maintaining our operational stability and donor trust.


Kerrie’s work was never invisible to those who had the opportunity to work closely with her over the years. Her integrity, financial acumen, detail-oriented nature and proactive approach were critical to our foundation, and she will be deeply missed by her colleagues.


Kerrie Brey is wished the very best in her next chapter – thank you for your unwaver- ing dedication over nearly 30 years. You will be missed, yet we are so excited for you to have more time with family and doing what you love.


Laurie N. Fellenz is executive director of WSMA – WMEA – WFSM at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education.


Email: lfellenz@wsmamusic.org 9


year of service.


“Congratulations on 29+ Years!”


After over 29 years at WSMA/ WMEA/WFSM I have decided it’s time to move on and let someone else sit in my chair. It has been my honor and privilege to work with all my amazing coworkers, board members and music teachers across the state, over the years. I have learned so much from all of you, I have many memories that I will carry with me always.


Adventures await, I have a garden calling my name, honeybees that need tending, the desire to restart some past hobbies, start some new ones, plus there is a fishing pole with my name on it just waiting for me.


Again, thank you for the privilege, I wish you all a world to match your dreams!


~ Kerrie


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57