April Jo Harder

April Jo Harder is an accomplished Communications and Marketing Supervisor at Arlington Heights Memorial Library since May 2015, recognized as the winner of the 2018 John Cotton Dana Award. Previously served as a Communications and Marketing Specialist, overseeing community event planning and library participation in local activities. Harder has extensive experience in journalism and public relations, having worked as Lead Copy Editor and Feature Writer at West Liberty Index, and as Public Relations Specialist for Iowa City Public Library, where strategic awareness campaigns were developed. Additional roles include Features Editor at Savannah Morning News and Community News Editor at Battle Creek Enquirer. Educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University and a recent Crisis Communications Certificate from the Public Relations Society of America.