Madison, WI - Dann Petersen has been named Corps Director of the Madison Scouts. “Having Dann as our Corps Director will help us build off the positive momentum we finished the season with” stated Executive Director Jeff Spanos. “Aside from being someone I trust implicitly, his values, talents and skill sets, as well as an incredible attitude make him the ideal person to serve in this capacity for the Madison Scouts.”Petersen marched with the Madison Junior Scouts for three years prior to spending six years with the Madison Scouts. After aging out in 1997, he has taught Madison, Southwind and Pioneer, as well as numerous marching bands, winterguards and winter drumlines throughout the country. “One of the most appealing aspects of hiring Dann was his life experience,” said Spanos. “You don’t meet many people who’ve led as diverse of a life as Dann, and I strongly believe these experiences will translate into him serving the members and the organization at the highest possible level.”Petersen recently graduated with an M.A. from the University of Oregon with a degree in International Studies focusing on West Africa. His thesis discussed the social ramifications for women married to Senegalese international migrants. He is a three-time National Dean’s List member as well as the recipient of the prestigious Thurber Award for excellence in international study. His undergraduate degree in French was attained after studying in Angers, France, where he became the first graduate from the University of Kansas’ Global Awareness Program. A world traveler, Petersen has visited 36 countries on five continents, is fluent in French, and has working knowledge of Spanish, Italian and two African languages: Twi and Wolof.“I am confident that my intimate knowledge of the Madison Scouts combined with my academic organizational skills have well-prepared me for this position.” Petersen stated. “I attribute much of the success I’ve enjoyed in life to what I learned in the Scouts. I look forward to the challenges ahead and, even more so, to sharing my knowledge with the members of this great organization and growing together with everyone involved with the 2008 Scouts family.”For additional information, contact Dann Petersen, Corps Director, at director@madisonscouts.org