She was the heart and soul of the RTNDA Communicator Magazine — and a leader in the organization. For those reasons, Noreen Welle was honored with the Rob Downey citation at this morning’s business breakfast. The citation recognizes service to the board.
Through tears, outgoing Chair Angie Kucharski recalled how Noreen, who died in December, was a resource and “angel” who brought stability and humor to her team. Accepting the award, her husband, Tom, quoted a friend who remembered Noreen as “reverent and irreverent” — she got the job done, but always kept a sense of humor and empathy. That empathy led her to be able to connect with people and “she always wanted you to be successful.”
As a writer for Communicator, I knew Noreen’s professional skill and personal warmth. Her joy in the success of others is what made her a true leader, and deserving of today’s standing ovation.
Hope this report was up to your standards, Noreen. You made us better.
