Hank Sampson

2001 Charter Inductee

Hank Sampson has enjoyed success not only in broadcasting, but in business as well. He began his broadcasting career as a student at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, where he worked for three years as an announcer at WCAL. After completing his studies he joined the air staff at WSHB Stillwater in 1953, where he spent four years on the air. He spent the next seven years in the insurance business, but he continued part-time at the station, known then as WAVN, gaining valuable business experience. This served him well, and in 1966, he returned full-time to WAVN and became general manager and part owner of the station. He sold the station, by then operating as WVLE, in 1982, and brought his business expertise to the banking industry, serving as vice president for marketing with the Stillwater-based Washington Federal Savings and Loan. He has served on the Minnesota Broadcasters Association board of directors, and has been a leader in community affairs.

Hank Sampson passed away April 5, 2008 at the age of 78.