Class of 1981 | Greenfield-Central High School
Dave Arland says, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, in most cases. That’s certainly the case with me. I’m still doing the things I did in high school, just on a grander scale. Looking at where my career in communications has taken me, I can look back 40 years to the challenges we faced as students – promoting our shows and events, reporting on news and activities, and learning new technologies that would eventually transform the world.” Dave’s activities at Greenfield-Central High School catapulted him after graduation in 1981 to a BA in Radio and Television from Butler University in 1985.
Following stints as a reporter with WIBC and WIRE radio stations, Dave became Press Secretary for Indianapolis Mayor William H. Hudnut, III during his final term. Dave’s career turned international when he joined Thomson Consumer Electronics-RCA in 1991, where he was Director of Community Affairs and Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing. Dave led the public relations efforts to introduce mp3 music players, high-definition TV, and e-book readers to consumers throughout the U.S. and Europe. He also served as the company’s voice in Washington, testifying twice before Congress and helping staff of the FCC understand complex digital technology developments.
In 2008, as a broadcasting and electronics industry veteran, Dave started Carmel, Indiana-based Arland Communications, a full-service communications, video production, and association management firm. Today, his company has a dozen clients and a team of five professionals who work hard to help clients reach their audiences with communications that both educate and delight. Additionally, Dave serves as Executive Director of Indiana Broadcasters Association (Arland Communications is the organization’s association management firm). He is Secretary-Treasurer of the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations; a past-chairman of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers committee of the IBA; and a board member of WFYI Public Media, which operates WFYI Channel 20 and WFYI FM-90.
Dave’s community involvements are myriad. He has spent over 30 years mentoring young men who are members of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. In his role as a Master Steward, he travels throughout the Midwest counseling at fraternity chapters and providing educational programs. Other involvements include Greenfield Community Choir, Butler University Board of Trustees member, Holy Spirit Parish at Geist Cantor, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Actors Theatre of Indiana Board member, and the Carmel High School Band Boosters Pep Band.
Along the way, people took notice of Dave’s abilities and commitment to lead and serve. Dave was chosen to participate in the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series®, a 10-month Leadership Indianapolis flagship program bringing together 25 emerging leaders to learn about the issues that drive Indiana. He served the Butler University Alumni Association as President in 1996-1997. He was also a recipient of the Butler University Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award.
As Dave remembered many favorite teachers he made note of several. “Jerry Bell took over the band program to create the Cougar Pride, reinvigorating and modernizing the marching band and adding new technologies, new sounds, and a new approach that won awards and instilled pride. I’m grateful to Kathy Dowling for her guidance. That Greek and Latin Derivatives class with Mary Parido paid off later in life, as did the laser-focused Don Rickett and his efforts to win scholarships for dozens of students (including me.) Media librarian Ann Ruby looked the other way when I copied dozens of articles during research on free trade – an effort that won me a big college scholarship. Drama teacher Jack Rhoades poured his heart into our high school productions. Superintendent Gerald Essington named me to the Student Advisory Committee, an invaluable lesson in moderate and constructive feedback. But the most influential teacher during my high school years was Charlie Wright – the choral teacher whose love of both the sacred and the secular instilled in me a lifelong love of both the remarkable harmony of really good church music and the thrill of a great Broadway show.”
Dave and his wife Karen have one daughter and are musicians at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Indianapolis. On a side note, during college Dave was a Soda Jerk at Hook’s Historic Drug Store at the Indiana State Fairgrounds were he says, “It may not be obvious from the position description, but I learned a lot as a soda jerk about the importance of being focused on your customer. Plus, I make a mean chocolate soda – with whipped cream and a cherry!” Way to go, Dave!