Kelsey Brannan Named WBA Young Professional of the Year

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 7, 2025 | 6:47pm CT

Kelsey Brannan

Kelsey Brannan, Director of Student Radio at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA). The award announcement was made following a selection process involving a subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors, who chose Brannan from a group of notable young professionals highlighted since July 2024.

Brannan, a UW-Madison alumna, returned to her alma mater in 2021 to lead WSUM, the very campus station where she first honed her broadcasting skills. Prior to her return, Brannan developed her career with significant roles at KEXP in Seattle and KCMP in St. Paul, MN.

Her nomination came from Katy Culver, the James E. Burgess Chair in Journalism Ethics at UW-Madison, who praised Brannan's leadership and dedication. "In her first three years, Kelsey has skillfully negotiated many hurdles: remodeling the station, establishing a new studio transmitter link, and securing the budgetary independence," Culver wrote. She also highlighted Brannan's interim role in engineering, managing WSUM's technical needs for five months before hiring a professional engineer.

Under Brannan's leadership, WSUM has seen enhancements in its educational mission, focusing on the recruitment, training, and supervision of both paid student employees and station volunteers. The station engages students in diverse programming activities such as music, public affairs, sports, live-streaming, and podcasting.

Brannan's commitment extends beyond station management. She is an active guest lecturer on campus and engages in outreach by hosting high school students and prospective university students, providing them tours of the station and insights into the broadcasting industry.

Culver emphasized Brannan's positive impact on WSUM and its community. "Her exceptional organizational skills and work ethic navigated WSUM through difficult circumstances, producing a string of impressive accomplishments," she added.

Reflecting on her career and role at WSUM, Brannan shared her enthusiasm for her position and the vibrant college radio environment. "I love being in an exciting college radio environment and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by students who are so passionate about their work," Brannan said. She also expressed her excitement about collaborating with like-minded young professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the broadcasting industry.

Brannan will be officially recognized for her achievements at the upcoming 2025 Awards Gala on May 3, which will be held at the Madison Marriott West.