Dave Driessen is the unsung hero of SBE Chapter 80. In submitting his nomination for SBE Chapter 80 Engineer of the year, we have an opportunity to sing his praises and he deserves this recognition. Dave has been an active member of the SBE since the mid-1980s. His career choices have kept him at one station for over 30 years but he is by no means complacent. A consistent course of increasing responsibility led to his current role of Director of Engineering-Scripps Green Bay operations.

Dave is currently in the midst of the mandated TV Repack. The project affects all three of the stations for which he is responsible. Working to modify existing infrastructure while keeping the stations on the air is not just a skill but an exercise in logistics, communication, management, and operation all rolled into one. He has handled each critical step in the process with great attention to detail including notification of adjacent business radio service licensees.

Senior Director of Engineering-Scripps Media, Kent Aschenbrenner, describes Dave as an engineer’s engineer. “The dictionary definition includes; a person that designs, builds and maintains. I will add, in Dave’s case, with passion. Through lean capital budget years, Dave kept his stations on the air and competitive. This happens because of his passion and creativity. A gifted software programmer, Dave wrote a number of routines that enhance the technical operation. Dave’s attitude can best be described by the children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could.” Never a complaint, instead a passion to get the job done.”

Dave’s former General Manager at WGBA NBC26, Joe Poss, has this to say about his technical ability and character. “I had the great fortune to work with Dave Driessen for ten years of my career and we tackled many significant projects together in our time. Dave was one of the original engineers to sign on channel 26 and continues to help build the station for the future. Dave is a person of integrity, uncompromising character and unmatched technical knowledge. There is nobody more loyal than Dave. He comes to work every day to make the NBC26 operations a better place. His thoughtful diligence and hard work are fundamental to who he is as a leader and a person. He is a great broadcast engineer and has incredible skills in making a plain cheese sandwich. This recognition is absolutely deserved and I wish Dave only the best.”

Dave Driessen has been consistently involved in the operation of SBE Chapter 80 currently serving in the role of Newsletter Editor, a position he has held for many years. Always quick with a camera to snap a photo at a meeting and always meeting distribution deadlines, he is the foundation of our Chapter communication.

In a move that pressed him out of his comfort zone, he has also presented programs at our chapter meetings, freely sharing his knowledge and expertise. When manufacturers present programs at our monthly meetings, Dave has the ability to ask questions that use relevant examples from his stations, their infrastructure, and his experience.

We are pleased to recognize Dave Driessen as our SBE Chapter 80 Engineer of the Year.

Submitted by Bill Hubbard, CPBE
On behalf of SBE Chapter 80
Fox Valley, WI