Erik Logan Toppenberg - Wall of Fame Class 2011

Attended: Sequoyah Elementary, Taft Middle School, Northwest Classen High School

When Erik Logan Toppenberg walks into his office at one of the world's most successful production companies, he's greeted with a picture of himself as a teenager. He wasn't dressed up in a tux, stepping out for his senior prom. He skipped that. The photo is Toppenberg dressed as Chuck the Duck, wooing passersby to listen to the local radio station that offered him his first job.

Those days spent either in the classroom at Northwest Classen High School or dressed in a dreadfully hot costume are far behind him. He has hopscotched around the country chasing his passion in radio and broadcasting. San Francisco. Seattle. Tampa. Washington D.C. New York City. And, of course, Chicago.

His focus these days is transforming Harpo Studios, where he shares the presidency, from the successful producer of Oprah's television show to a content generator for Oprah Winfrey's new cable network venture. It's a tall task but Toppenberg isn't new to big challenges. He became a radio program director at 19 and has since turned struggling radio stations into successful operations. He also served as vice president of CBS Radio, president of Citadel Broadcasting and executive vice president for programming and broadcast operations at XM Satellite Radio in Washington D.C.

A picture of himself as Chuck the Duck isn't all that brings him back to reality. He also sees photos of his wife Erin, and their two young children, Jacksyn and Hudsyn, cheering on his Sooners. "Just like when I first started, every day I come in and honor the opportunity I have been given and carry the intention to do the best job I possibly can," he said. "And at night, I go home and enjoy my family."

Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools Wall of Fame:
The WALL OF FAME AWARDS celebrate the long, rich history of the Oklahoma City Public School District by inducting alumni and community leaders who have added significantly to the quality of life in our state and country.

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Education

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