Daniel Diedriech

Daniel Diedriech (born May 17, 1955) is an American author, podcast host, and seasoned fundraising and marketing executive. Diedriech has a wealth of experience in media and communication, serving as a news anchor, director, and reporter. He is the founder of Dan Creative Studios, a platform dedicated to storytelling across various mediums such as writing, video, and audio production. Diedriech is the author of the children's book "Katy the Caterfly" and the host of the podcast "The Art of Being You."
Diedriech is renowned for raising funds through capital campaigns, annual giving, and planned giving. He is skilled in writing, public presentations, media relations, branding, and all facets of fundraising and marketing. He has contributed to various university settings and has held executive roles at Lincoln University, Westminster College, the University of Missouri, and William Woods University.
==Early life and education==
Diedriech was born on May 17, 1955, in Jefferson City, MO, and grew up in St. Louis as the eldest of two siblings. During his formative years, he was in the Boy Scouts of America.
Since a young age, Diedriech has demonstrated notable literary prowess. His article on summer work programs was published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper in 1972. His oratory skills also gained recognition, as he secured first place in public speaking from the Distributive Education Clubs of America in St. Louis in 1973, followed by second-place at a state-level competition.
In 1975, Diedriech relocated to Columbia, Missouri, where he enrolled at the University of Missouri, obtaining a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism. 
==Career==
In 1975, Diedriech started his career as a broadcast journalist at KRCG-TV in Jefferson City, Missouri. He ascended to the role of news anchor and subsequently became the news director at the station.
In 1988, Diedriech joined Lincoln University as the Executive Director of University Relations. At Lincoln University, he was instrumental in negotiating for the management rights of Jefferson City's inaugural public access television station, JCTV. He persuaded the city council to reverse a mayoral veto with a unanimous 9-0 vote. Additionally, he revamped the call letters and programming of the campus radio station, now known as KJLU, transforming it into an acclaimed jazz station.
In 1996, Diedriech joined Westminster College in Fulton as the Assistant Vice President for College Relations and subsequently assumed the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement. During his tenure, he spearheaded an $80-million capital campaign, regarded as the most substantial fundraising effort in the history of a small private college in Missouri. While at Westminster, Dan led a video crew which was the first to record sulfur based life forms in a Mexican Cave system. The cave was later featured on the world renowned BBC special, Planet Earth.
In 2010, Diedriech diversified his professional portfolio, establishing two ventures: one as a professional voice actor and the other as a certified career coach. 
In 2012, he joined the University of Missouri, St. Louis, as the executive director for university development.
In 2013, Diedriech was appointed Vice President of Institutional Advancement at William Woods University in Fulton, where he oversaw development, alumni relations, and university marketing initiatives for three years.
Diedriech has been advocating for equality, tolerance, and understanding. His creativity and storytelling led him to establish Dan Creative Studios, a platform dedicated to advancing these noble causes through various mediums such as writing, video, and audio production. The studio endeavors to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences through the transformative power of storytelling.
In 2023, Diedriech launched his career as a children’s author, publishing his inaugural work, "Katy the Caterfly." The book conveys that everyone has a meaningful place in society, regardless of their perceived differences. Through compelling characters like Katy, Flicker the Firefly, and Silky the Spider, Diedriech crafts a narrative of courage, hope, and kindness to captivate children's imaginations. He is also writing an autobiography and self-help book, "The Art of Being Me."
Additionally, Diedriech hosts "The Art of Being You" podcast, featuring individuals who have transformed their challenges into avenues for positive change. 
Throughout his career, Diedriech has been involved in various organizations, including the Rotary West Club of Jefferson City, the Rotary South Club of Columbia, the Kiwanis Club of Fulton, and multiple United Way chapters. Additionally, he held memberships in professional associations, such as the Association of Fund Raising Professionals and the Public Relations Society of America, highlighting his commitment to assisting non-profit organizations with their fundraising and marketing strategies.
==Awards and recognitions==
* Diedriech has received numerous accolades for his contributions to writing, video production, and website development from District Six of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). 
* He has been honored as the volunteer of the year for the Callaway County United Way.
==Personal life==
Diedriech resides in Abingdon, Maryland. He has two children, Michelle and Michael Diedriech.
==References==
==External links==
* Dan Creative Studios
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* Dan Creative Studios on Facebook
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* Dan Creative Studios on YouTube
Category:1955 births
Category:American Authors
Category:American podcasters
Category:American entrepreneurs
Category:University of Missouri alumni