April Ward named Arizona LGMA’s new PR liaison

The Arizona LGMA's new public relations liaison, April Ward of Harvest Moon Communications, brings two decades of marketing and communications experience and a wealth of knowledge relating to leafy greens farming and food safety.  Although she is new to working with Arizona LGMA, she is a familiar face to many in the Arizona farming community.

As the public relations liaison, Ward will work alongside Director Teressa Lopez to manage internal communications with Arizona LGMA members, growers and harvesters, as well as directing external communications with media,  produce associations and state and federal regulators.  In the 2021-22 Arizona leafy greens season she will facilitate media training as a part of crisis preparedness and website refresh to drive awareness of training and resources with stakeholders.  

“We are so pleased to have April as a part of our team now.  I’ve collaborated with her on projects over the years and know that we work well together — but more importantly I know she can help the Arizona LGMA communicate better with our members and the media,” said Lopez.

Ward has more than 20 years of experience working in public relations and marketing.  She also has a master’s degree in communication and media studies from Purdue University.  She received a Telly award for work on the Why Behind Food Safety training video.

“After 14 years of working on public relations and marketing for Arizona LGMA’s sister agency in California, I decided to launch my own business," said Ward. "I’m so grateful that Teressa Lopez saw value in the services and expertise that I am able to bring to the table.  I’m also very excited for the opportunity to help tell the story of the Arizona leafy greens farming community’s commitment to food safety.”