2011 GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY AWARD
Dr. George Wills
Nominated by Robert Shuman, President, Maryland Public Television
During financially hard times when public broadcasting needs advocates more than ever, there is no doubt Dr. George Wills has made a most compelling case for support on behalf of Maryland Public Television and the public broadcasting system in general.
Dr Wills never hesitates to dive into issues and take action on behalf of public media both locally and nationally. As the founder and chair of Wills and Associates, Incorporated, he has more than thirty years experience in public affairs, corporate communications, government relations, and management counseling fields, and has put it all together to open doors to Maryland Public Television and public broadcasting. He can engage an individual or a room full of people with a meaningful anecdote from his years of experience dating back to time spent at the side of his mentor, Milton Eisenhower.
Dr. Wills serves with other lay community leaders on the Leadership Advisory Group of the Association of Public Television Stations, assisting with APT’s advocacy efforts and mobilizing efforts to contact members of Congress. His long time personal relationship with the Maryland Congressional delegation has proved invaluable. He always finds time to advocate for public television during MT’s local on-air fund raising campaigns, enjoys taking pledge calls from fellow public television fans, and encourages others to contribute or volunteer for the station. Each time he comes to a pledge drive, he is usually bringing along yet another of his diverse affiliated groups - from the Watercolor Society of Maryland to the Board of Directors of Maryland Life Magazine. He’s a real connector!
With a true gift for reaching grassroots and grass tops on behalf of Maryland Public Television which he and his family cherishes, he sets an example for others by devoting significant time and energy to advocating for public broadcasting.
Dr. George Wills
Nominated by Robert Shuman, President, Maryland Public Television
During financially hard times when public broadcasting needs advocates more than ever, there is no doubt Dr. George Wills has made a most compelling case for support on behalf of Maryland Public Television and the public broadcasting system in general.
Dr Wills never hesitates to dive into issues and take action on behalf of public media both locally and nationally. As the founder and chair of Wills and Associates, Incorporated, he has more than thirty years experience in public affairs, corporate communications, government relations, and management counseling fields, and has put it all together to open doors to Maryland Public Television and public broadcasting. He can engage an individual or a room full of people with a meaningful anecdote from his years of experience dating back to time spent at the side of his mentor, Milton Eisenhower.
Dr. Wills serves with other lay community leaders on the Leadership Advisory Group of the Association of Public Television Stations, assisting with APT’s advocacy efforts and mobilizing efforts to contact members of Congress. His long time personal relationship with the Maryland Congressional delegation has proved invaluable. He always finds time to advocate for public television during MT’s local on-air fund raising campaigns, enjoys taking pledge calls from fellow public television fans, and encourages others to contribute or volunteer for the station. Each time he comes to a pledge drive, he is usually bringing along yet another of his diverse affiliated groups - from the Watercolor Society of Maryland to the Board of Directors of Maryland Life Magazine. He’s a real connector!
With a true gift for reaching grassroots and grass tops on behalf of Maryland Public Television which he and his family cherishes, he sets an example for others by devoting significant time and energy to advocating for public broadcasting.