Director named at utility institute

Wendy Warren Grapentine has been named director of the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute.

“Wendy’s background in the media and facilitating skills will be a great addition to WPUI,” says Ted Beck, associate dean for Executive Education.

Grapentine was news anchor and medical reporter for WKOW-TV Channel 27 from 1992-01. “I am excited to be moving into a new area,” Grapentine says. “I’m looking forward to using the skills I developed during 11 years in the Madison media to help build on the proven success of WPUI.”

Founded in 1982, WPUI’s mission is to advance the understanding of public policy issues in the electricity, gas and telecommunications industries. It provides information and education programs in addition to other services that aid in the examination and development of appropriate public policies for those industries.

“Wisconsin is a leader in developing innovative ways to deal with current challenges in the telecommunications and energy industries,” Grapentine says. “I am looking forward to bringing together the different players to find these solutions.”

Grapentine has a B.S. from the University of Colorado. She has been active in many community events, including serving as the event chair and sponsorship chair for the Duck Dash for HospiceCare from 1996 to 1999.

WPUI is part of the School of Business. For more information, contact For more information, contact Grapentine (608) 263-4180, wpui@bus.wisc.edu.
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