Laurie Nason Fellenz has been executive director of Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) and Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) since July 2018. In this role, Laurie oversees the operations of three (3) music non-profit organizations at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, owned and operated by WSMA. She is serving a four-year term as Region 4 representative on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) music committee (2023-2027) and was also appointed to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Equity Committee from 2024-2026.
Prior to her appointment as executive director at WSMA, WMEA and WFSM, Laurie was Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)’s arts administrator from September 2010 to June 2018. Laurie also proudly taught MMSD instrumental and general music from 1991-2010 at Cherokee Heights Middle School, Sherman Middle School, and Van Hise Elementary School.
WSMA has been an influential part of Laurie’s life since junior high in Stevens Point, WI. It was through her own opportunities with support by great teachers to grow musically through WSMA Festivals and State Honors that working with and on behalf of students through music education became her life’s work. WMEA and the Wisconsin State Music Conference have been invaluable resources throughout her entire career.
Laurie holds a Bachelor of Instrumental Music degree from UW-Eau Claire (1991) and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University (2008). As a volunteer, she currently serves on the board of directors for Madison Youth Arts Center and Madison Area Music Association.
Laurie is a recipient of the Madison Youth Choirs – Carrel Pray Music Educator of the Year Award (2017), Wisconsin Art Education Association Distinguished Service Award (2013), Hall of Fame Award – Tommy Awards Excellence in Musical Theater Program (2012), MMSD Team Distinguished Service Award (2004), and was recognized as a Top Notch Teacher by WISC-TV (2007). She has previously served as NAfME Council of State Executives Chair (2022-2024), Kennedy Center Partners in Education Advisory Committee member (2014-2017), Greater Madison Jazz Consortium founding board member (2011-2018), Madison All-City Honors Band co-founder, established in 1995, which continues to serve Madison’s youth to this day.
