[Gillett, WI.] Cooperative Educational Service Agency 8’s (CESA 8) Director of Communications Dean Leisgang has earned two prestigious Telly Awards in the 47th Annual Telly Awards competition, continuing a career defined by impactful storytelling and communications excellence.
The Telly Awards, which recognize excellence in video and television across all screens, announced this year’s winners following a record-breaking competition season. According to organizers, nearly 14,000 entries were submitted by creators, brands, agencies, and production companies from 55 countries worldwide.
“Video has never been more contested, more creative, or more consequential than it is right now,” stated Amanda Needham, Managing Director of The Telly Awards. “The Telly Awards has had a front-row seat to this industry for 47 years, and today’s entertainment is happening in multiple formats, across every screen, and at every budget level.”
Leisgang received honors in the following categories:
“Addiction and the Justice System”
— Telly Award Winner, Non-Broadcast Writing Category. A documentary-style story examining the devastating impact of addiction through the perspectives of the criminal justice system and an individual in recovery, illustrating both the consequences of substance use and the hope found through accountability and recovery.
“Rural School Teacher Talent Program Profile”
— Telly Award Winner, Non-Broadcast Recruitment Category. A recruitment video highlighting Wisconsin's Rural School Teacher Talent Program, using authentic storytelling to inspire future educators to pursue teaching careers in rural schools and strengthen the state's educator workforce.
“It’s one thing to tell a story — it’s another to tell it in a way that is honest, compassionate and deeply human,” said Julie Bulin, Emplify Health by Bellin Oconto Hospital Vice President. “Through ‘Addiction and the Justice System,’ Dean was able to give voices to real people within the real world to remind everyone in our community and beyond that there is hope for recovery. We are truly blessed to know there is someone like Dean in our community who is committed to bringing stories to life that will change lives.”
The winning entries were recognized among productions from some of the world's most respected media and content creators, including Disney, ESPN, National Geographic, and NASA. With these latest recognitions, Leisgang has now earned a total of eight Telly Awards throughout his career.
“Dean possesses a remarkable talent for bringing stories to life, providing a powerful visual narrative,” commented Dave Honhish/CESA 8 Agency Administrator. “His ability to translate complex issues into compelling stories helps showcase student achievement, demonstrate the impact of educational investments, and connect communities with valuable resources.”
At CESA 8, Leisgang oversees strategic and internal communications, guiding organizational messaging, stakeholder engagement, and agency-wide communication strategy in support of school districts and educational initiatives across Wisconsin. He also partners with school districts, government agencies, and other organizations to develop strategic communications and compelling stories that inform, engage, and inspire their communities. His award-winning work spans a wide range of communications disciplines, including documentary storytelling, informational video production, animation, strategic communications, marketing, website design, and community engagement. His work has consistently focused on using authentic storytelling to connect organizations with their audiences and communities.
“These awards are truly a reflection of the incredible people and stories behind each project,” said Leisgang. “Whether it’s highlighting opportunities in education or telling difficult but important stories about challenges facing our communities, the goal is always to create meaningful work that connects with people and leaves a lasting impact.”
Earlier this year, Leisgang also received three National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Awards in the categories of Video, Video Series, and Social Media, recognizing outstanding communications work among school public relations professionals nationwide.
With these honors, Leisgang has received more than 120 national and state awards recognizing excellence in communications, marketing, and storytelling.