Heather Named General Manager

 MACOMB, IL – Heather Norman, underwriting and outreach coordinator for the Tri States Public Radio (TSPR) at Western Illinois University, has been named the general manager. Norman replaces Julie Murphy, who has served as acting general manager since 2019, who stepped down June 30.

Norman joined the TSPR staff in 2014 as the underwriting and outreach coordinator, and in 2019, assumed the responsibilities of the TSPR development director. Previously, she was the director of the Galesburg Civic Art Center from 2001-2014. Norman has also served as a bookkeeper for Cornucopia in Galesburg from 2008-2009. 

"Heather's work as Tri States Public Radio's outreach coordinator, coupled with her development and administrative experience, will allow for a seamless transition to the general manager's position. She will continue to build on the terrific work that Julie Murphy did for us over the past few years," said College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean and Interim Provost Billy Clow. 

Norman received her bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Norman also holds a certificate in fundraising for small nonprofits from the Lilly Schools of Philanthropy. 

"I am excited to continue my work with Tri States Public Radio staff and a dedicated base of supporters to bring quality public radio to all of our communities," Norman said. "There will be challenges as the media and funding landscapes change, but I look forward to strengthening this great public resource." In her community, Norman has been a member of the Prairie Players Civic Theatre, including serving as a board member, and of the Galesburg Public Art Commission, including serving as president and past president. 

Tri States Public Radio, which serves all or parts of 20 counties in western Illinois, southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri, is an outreach service of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The station began in 1956 as a student-run laboratory in WIU's Tillman Hall. Tri States Public Radio's GM, which has administrative oversight of TSPR facilities and partnerships, develops, executes and evaluates overall station policies and activities, including mission, production, programming, operation, engineering, budget, financial priorities, grant-writing and development. The general manager also directs staff in short- and long-range strategic planning with an eye to audience service, and financial growth and prosperity.